The Cerebral Palsies course

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is working in partnership with the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD) to offer this course.

Audience: Doctors, specialist nurses, education staff and any other health professionals supporting children and young people with cerebral palsies and their families
Duration: Four months distance learning 
Cost: £450 (£400 for BACD members and Sheffield Children’s employees)

Course content

This course is developed from the Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma and provides in-depth training in how to assess and support children with cerebral palsies and their families.

After completing the course you will be able to:

a) Understand the pathology and pathophysiology relating to the cerebral palsies and synthesise this into clinical practice.

• Understand the different types of cerebral palsies and terminology relating to cerebral palsies.
• Understand the possible aetiological mechanisms of cerebral palsies and be able to counsel parents about these.

b) Understand how epidemiological principles apply in the field of the cerebral palsies and use this in other fields.

c) Assess and manage children and young people with cerebral palsies.

• Be able to work in a multidisciplinary team in the management of children and young people with cerebral palsies, including associated impairments.
• Be able to help in the decision making about drug management.
• Understand the role of gait analysis orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery.

d) Make informed judgements within this area of neurodisability, knowing when to ask for help and when to refer on.

e) Critically evaluate local health services.

f) Contribute to service development and present a case for this.

g) Provide effective advice for colleagues in education settings.