FAQs
The list below contains the questions most frequently answered by the FICM regarding ACCP training, qualification, registration and employment. If your query is not answered, please contact us at contact@ficm.ac.uk
- Who can train as an ACCP?
- Where can you train as an ACCP?
- How do I know if the ACCP training programme I am applying for is appropriate?
- Is there a correct way to term training programmes for ACCPs?
- Where can you work as an ACCP?
- How long is training?
- How do I register as an ACCP trainee with FICM?
- Where can I find the curriculum?
- How do I become an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Member?
- Which HEIs (Higher Education Institutes) have ACCP courses?
- Can I APEL previous relevant course modules towards my ACCP training?
- Can you transfer overseas qualifications?
- How do I train ACCPs on my unit?
- Advice for employing ACCPs as part of a critical care team
- What about regulation?
- What about revalidation?
- Code of Conduct
- What about indemnity?
It is soon envisage that only HEI that offer a kite marked ACCP course regulated by the FICM will be allowed to register as FICM ACCP membership on successful completion of the course and clinical competencies.
As the curriculum mandates a parallel of academic and clinical practice training of ACCPs will occur in existing UK training centres approved for, at a minimum, Stage 1 and 2 ICM level training. The FICM considers that units who do not train this level of ICM CCT trainee would be unable to deliver the level of training required by the ACCP curriculum; as such the Faculty would not consider it appropriate for FICM Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Membership to be awarded to any ACCPs trained in units who do not receive this level of ICM CCT trainee. Whilst non-training units may be able to partner with a HEI and offer ACCP training to interested nurse and AHP colleagues, those trainees would not be eligible for any official Faculty recognition of that training, nor to apply for FICM Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Membership upon completion of their ACCP training programme. Any non-ICM training approved unit seeking to run ACCP training must make this prospectively clear to any applicants for their programme.
All ACCPs in training are requested to register with the Faculty so we can keep you up to date of any useful developments and start to monitor the ACCP workforce. To register as a trainee with FICM please fill in the ACCP Trainee Registration Form and return it to contact@ficm.ac.uk
Please note that is does not automatically mean that you will be accepted as an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner Member of the Faculty.
- Engagement with a local HEI to run an ACCP PGDip course (MSc in future).
- Engagement of key stakeholders in our organisation to assess the possibility of the ACCP role being a viable workforce solution for your unit.
- Plan the end point of training - most, if not all, ACCPs take a position on the medical rota. Be clear how this will work including supervision requirements.
- Business case development - early involvement of your divisional managers and repeated "marketing" of the planned ACCP role in your strategic, financial and workforce planning. Getting the Medical and Nursing Directors on board early is key.
Pending formal regulation, trained Advanced Critical Care Practitioners (ACCPs) are expected to adhere to the code of conduct of their registering body. In addition, it is expected ACCPs:
Working in a UK Trust you will have NHS indemnity, it is your responsibility to ensure you have appropriate Standard Operating Procedures ratified by your Governance structure - these should be very explicit around the issue of supervision.
Many ACCPs choose to take out additional personal cover via the MDDUS to provide additional insurance. You do not need to have this but as many of us do choose to have it for the additional security and independent legal advice with your interests as the focus.