Post-Thyroid Haematoma Care

This course provides healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to recognize, manage, and escalate neck haematomas following thyroid surgery. It covers the key symptoms (DESATS) to watch for, the importance of regular observation, and the application of the SCOOP procedure in emergencies. Participants will learn about the clinical pathways for stable and unstable patients, the role of effective communication during handovers, and the importance of emergency equipment in managing this life-threatening complication.

Course Fee

£0.00

£4.00

4 Chapters

1 Hour

Mobile friendly

Industry-backed eLearning

About The Course

Learning Outcomes

Course Modules

About The Course

This comprehensive training course is designed for healthcare workers involved in the care of patients following thyroid surgery. Neck haematomas are a rare but potentially fatal complication that can cause airway obstruction and respiratory failure if not managed promptly. The course begins by introducing the risks and anatomy associated with neck haematomas, followed by a detailed exploration of the DESATS symptoms (difficulty swallowing, swelling, tachypnoea, etc.) that should trigger immediate action.
The course covers the stable and unstable pathways of care, detailing the steps healthcare professionals should take in both scenarios, including the use of the SCOOP procedure to evacuate the haematoma at the bedside in unstable patients. The course also emphasizes the importance of timely escalation to senior medical teams, the preparation and availability of emergency equipment (e.g., oxygen, emergency boxes, and difficult airway trolleys), and the role of effective communication through structured clinical handovers using the ISBAR3 framework.
By completing this course, healthcare professionals will be equipped to respond effectively to neck haematomas, ensuring safe and efficient management of post-thyroid surgery patients.

Learning Outcomes

Identify the key risk factors and anatomy associated with neck haematomas following thyroid surgery.
Recognize the symptoms of a neck haematoma using the DESATS acronym (Difficulty swallowing, Early warning score increase, Swelling, Anxiety, Tachypnoea, Stridor).
Understand the importance of frequent observations and how to adjust monitoring protocols based on patient condition.
Differentiate between stable and unstable neck haematoma patients and manage each scenario appropriately.
Apply the SCOOP procedure to evacuate a neck haematoma at the bedside in an emergency situation.
Recognize the roles of senior and junior medical staff in decision-making and escalation during a neck haematoma event.
Communicate effectively during clinical handovers using the ISBAR3 framework, ensuring clear and concise information transfer.
Ensure availability and accessibility of emergency equipment such as the PTS emergency box, oxygen cylinders, and difficult airway trolleys.
Participate in debriefing sessions and After Action Reviews (AAR) to enhance team learning and improve future practice.

Course Modules

Chapter 1 Understanding and Preparing for Neck Haematoma After Thyroid Surgery

Chapter 2 Detection and Escalation of Neck Haematoma in the Ward Setting

Chapter 3 Management of Neck Haematoma Post-Thyroid Surgery

Chapter 4 Summary

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