This eLearning program is designed to equip nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required to recognise and respond to patient deterioration in a timely and effective manner.

Early identification and escalation of clinical deterioration are critical components of safe, high-quality patient care. Failure to recognise and respond appropriately can lead to serious adverse events, including preventable harm.

This course is aligned with Australian standards and frameworks, including the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, and supports the use of structured observation and escalation systems such as the Adult Observation and Response Chart (AORC).

The program focuses on developing a systematic approach to patient assessment, interpretation of clinical observations, and appropriate escalation pathways in line with organisational policies and best practice guidelines.

Key areas covered include:

• Understanding clinical deterioration and associated risks
• Use and interpretation of the Adult Observation and Response Chart (AORC)
• Recognition of abnormal physiological parameters and trends
• Structured patient assessment using a systematic approach (e.g. ABCDE)
• Escalation protocols and clinical handover requirements
• Communication frameworks to support safe and effective escalation (e.g. ISBAR)
• Roles, responsibilities, and accountability in recognising and responding to deterioration

This program is suitable for nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals working across a range of clinical settings, including acute, community, and remote environments.

It is ideal for those requiring completion of mandatory training or annual competency requirements related to recognising and responding to clinical deterioration.

On successful completion, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to identify early signs of deterioration, interpret clinical findings, and initiate appropriate escalation to support optimal patient outcomes.