FRCA Curriculum – Paediatrics

Competence	Source Curriculum	Description
PA_BK_01	Basic	Recalls/explains the relevance of the basic sciences specific to children aged 1 year and above [cross ref basic sciences]
PA_IK_01	Intermediate	Recalls/explains the relevance of the knowledge of applied basic sciences to all age groups including neonates
PA_BK_02	Basic	Describes the preoperative assessment and psychological preparation of children aged 1 year and above [and their parents] for surgery
PA_BK_03	Basic	Explains the importance of avoiding excessive starvation times
PA_IK_03	Intermediate	Recalls/explains the adverse effects of starvation and hypoglycaemia in neonates and children
PA_BK_04	Basic	Describes how anaesthesia can be induced for children aged 1 year and above
PA_BK_05	Basic	Describes maintenance of anaesthesia for children aged 1 year and above
PA_BK_06	Basic	Describes how recovery from anaesthesia is managed in children aged 1 year and above
PA_BK_07	Basic	Explains the management of postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting in children
PA_BK_08	Basic	Describes the management of acute airway obstruction including croup, epiglottitis and inhaled foreign body
PA_BK_09	Basic	Recalls/explains how blood volume is estimated and how correct solutions and volumes are used for replacement of fluid loss. Particular attention must be given to the risks of hyponatraemia if hypotonic solutions are used for fluid resuscitation
PA_BK_10	Basic	Explains the importance of modification of drug dosages
PA_BK_11	Basic	Describes how pain-relief is provided for children undergoing surgery including the use of common regional techniques [e.g. Caudal epidural, ilioingiunal block]
PA_IK_09	Intermediate	Calculates the analgesic requirements of neonates and infants
PA_BK_12	Basic	Explains the place of premedication, including topical anaesthesia for venepuncture
PA_BK_13	Basic	Describes paediatric anaesthetic equipment and the differences from adult practice
PA_BK_14	Basic	Recalls/explains how to calculate tracheal tube sizes and the reasons for its importance; sizing of face masks and airways [oro- and naso-pharyngeal and LMAs]
PA_BK_15	Basic	Explains the choice of breathing systems and the appropriate fresh gas flow rates
PA_BK_16	Basic	Explains the importance of identifying when upper respiratory tract infections are/are not significant and, as a result, when to cancel operations
PA_BK_17	Basic	Explains how to obtain consent for anaesthesia in children
PA_IK_07	Intermediate	Explains the law as relates to children in respect of Consent, Restraint and Research and the concept of ‘Gillick competence’
PA_BK_18	Basic	Explains the importance of Child Protection regulations and what action must be taken when non-accidental injury is suspected
PA_IK_13	Intermediate	Explains the importance of a comprehensive knowledge of Child Protection and how to be responsible for taking appropriate action when non-accidental injury is suspected
PA_IK_02	Intermediate	Recalls/explains the implications of paediatric medical and surgical problems including major congenital abnormalities (eg tracheoesophageal fistula, diaphragmatic hernia,) congenital heart disease and syndromes eg Down’s for anaesthesia
PA_IK_04	Intermediate	Recalls the specific factors in preoperative assessment and preparation of neonates for surgery
PA_IK_05	Intermediate	Describes special anaesthetic techniques for neonates
PA_IK_06	Intermediate	Explains the difficulty of thermoregulation in the newborn and the measure required to prevent hypothermia
PA_IK_08	Intermediate	Describes the anaesthetic management of neonates and infants for minor operations, major elective and emergency surgery
PA_IK_10	Intermediate	Describes the specific anaesthetic and monitoring equipment required for neonates
PA_IK_11	Intermediate	Lists common anaesthetic problems in the neonatal period and explains their perioperative anaesthetic management [e.g. inguinal hernia, intestinal obstruction, pyloric stenosis]
PA_IK_12	Intermediate	Describes the special problems of the premature and ex-premature neonate
PA_IK_14	Intermediate	Recalls/explains how to recognise the critically ill child with e.g. sepsis, trauma, convulsions, diabetic emergencies and describes their timely management
PA_IK_15	Intermediate	Explains the principles of stabilisation and safe transport of critically ill children and babies