Recognize early. Reflect together. Respond with confidence.
Team Essentials: Preventing Acute Deterioration is a self-paced eLearning course designed for students and professionals working in long-term care. This course builds practical skills to help care teams identify early changes in condition in frail older adults and respond effectively—before those changes become emergencies.
Through the use of the Sensory Observation System (SOS) and SBAR communication, learners will strengthen team communication, enhance collaboration, and support safer, more proactive care in everyday practice.
Who This Course is For
This course is designed for students and team members in long–term care, including:
- Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
- Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
What You’ll Learn
By completing this course, learners will be able to:
- Recognize common acute changes in condition among long-term care residents
- Build a shared team understanding of roles in early identification, prevention, and response
- Perform systematic observations using the SOS tool
- Communicate changes clearly and confidently using SBAR—with team members and physicians
- Strengthen team effectiveness through reflection, relational practice, and proactive care
- Apply communication and collaboration strategies in real-world scenarios
What to Expect
This engaging, self-paced eLearning experience includes:
- An overview of common diseases and their observable signs and symptoms
- Focused content on delirium and other preventable conditions
- The 3 R’s Framework: Recognize, Reflect, Respond
- Video-based case studies and game-based learning
- Practical scenarios that support transfer of learning to daily practice
Course Structure
This course is organized into the following topics:
- Introduction and Team Effectiveness
- Assessing Readiness: Self-Reflection on Strengths and Growth Areas
- Recognizing Acute Changes
- Reflecting Using the SOS Tool
- Responding Through Interventions and Team/SBAR Reporting
- Practice Scenarios
- Options for Continued Learning
Learning Experience & Assessment
| Format | Self-paced eLearning |
| Estimated Learning Time | ~2 hours |
| Assessment | No summative assessment required |
| Recognition | Micrco-credential Badge |
Why This Course Matters
Learners will leave with practical tools and shared language that support:
- Stronger information sharing
- Greater appreciation for team role interdependency
- Prevention of unnecessary emergency transfers
- Safer, more responsive care for residents
Register today to strengthen your team’s ability to recognize change early, communicate clearly, and respond together—when it matters most.
Find out more about how Team Essentials was developed: Watch the Video
Developed by
Team Essentials was developed by Faith Boutcher, David Conn, Daniel Galessiere, Shoshana Helfenbaum, Raquel Meyer, Derek Redmond, Jennifer Reguindin, Melissa Tafler, Joyce Tsui.
