Health Education England elearning for healthcare (HEE elfh) worked in partnership with London South Bank University, Bournemouth University and Health Education England, to develop this free elearning programme to support health and social care professionals working in clinical environments where patients could physically deteriorate.

The Recognising and Managing Deterioration programme is an elearning resource offered at 2 levels, universal and advanced, to reflect the participant’s experience and clinical setting. This resource builds upon the use of the NEWS2 tool assisting learners to take the next steps in the assessment process through using the ABCDE assessment tool. This resource follows each step of the tool allowing participants to revise their anatomy and physiology, develop their skills and knowledge in the assessment process to recognise deterioration and manage the findings within the scope of their clinical role.

NEWS2 is at the forefront of recognising deterioration and essential for detecting changes to vital signs.  Being able to recognise and act on other changes such as behaviour and mental state before a serious event are essential skills to improving patient safety and outcomes. The range of resources available in this elearning programme aim to support the workforce and organisations in ensuring staff have the necessary knowledge and skills to both recognise and manage deterioration in adult patients.

The Recognising and Managing Deterioration elearning content is suitable for wide range of roles ranging from nursing teams, AHPs and paramedics, through to students, healthcare support workers, and theatre assistants to name a few.

How to access the elearning

The Recognising and Managing Deterioration elearning programme is available to the health and care workforce via the elearning for healthcare hub.

You can learn more about the free, open access, resources on the Recognising and Managing Deterioration programme page.