Refresher Courses
Refresher Training Overview – Clinical and Care Courses
A refresher training is a short, focused session designed to update and reinforce existing knowledge and skills. It helps experienced practitioners stay current with best practice, refresh critical competencies, and address any gaps that may have developed over time.
Rather than teaching from scratch, it builds on what learners already know, boosting confidence and ensuring safe, consistent performance in the workplace
At Caring for Care, our refresher training is designed for experienced practitioners. These sessions are ideal for professionals who already hold prior training and are currently practising or have practised recently.
Our Refresher courses cover key updates in best practice, changes in legislation or guidance, essential skills that need reinforcement, and any areas where staff confidence may have dipped. They focus on practical application, safe working, meeting compliance standards, and maintaining high‑quality, consistent care.
Refresher Training Courses – What to Expect
Our refresher training courses are designed for experienced practitioners who already have prior knowledge and want a focused, engaging update — without sitting through content they’ve already covered.
These sessions follow a learner‑led, facilitated format and are intentionally different from our full‑day courses.
What Makes Our Refresher Format Different?
Rather than repeating full theory, our refresher courses are structured to:
✅ Refresh knowledge through facilitated discussion
✅ Explore real workplace challenges and scenarios
✅ Share best practice across teams and roles
✅ Reflect on safe decision-making and clinical judgement
✅ Reinforce current guidance, legislation, and standards
These sessions are interactive, peer-led, and facilitated by experienced trainers—not lecture-based.
Who Are Refresher Courses Suitable For?
Refresher training is ideal for learners who:
- Already have prior training and experience in the subject
- Are currently practising or have recent hands-on experience
- Feel confident participating in group discussion
- Are willing to share experiences, answer questions, and reflect on practice
Quick Comparison - Refresher Course vs Full Course
| Feature | Refresher Course | Full Course |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Half day | Full day |
| Designed for | Experienced practitioners | New or less-experienced practitioners |
| Prior knowledge required | Yes – essential | No |
| Teaching style | Facilitated, discussion-led | Trainer-led, structured teaching |
| Learning approach | Learners share experience, answer questions, reflect on practice | Full theory taught from the ground up |
| Level of challenge | High – designed to stretch and challenge | Supportive and instructional |
| Use of slides | Minimal – prompts for discussion | Full slide delivery |
| Practical element | Observed practice (where relevant) | Full practical teaching |
| Classroom competency | ❌ Not assessed | ✔ Taught and supported |
| Suitable for new starters | ❌ No | ✔ Yes |
| Certificate | Attendance-based | Course completion |
| If learner struggles | May be advised to attend full course | Supported within the session |
| Best choice if learners want… | A focused, engaging update without repeating basics | Full teaching, reassurance, and structured learning |
Available Care & Clinical Courses
Medication Administration
- Revisit the 7 Rights of Medication Administration and current best-practice protocols
- Explore common MAR chart challenges and strategies to prevent medication errors
- Reflect on consent, mental capacity, and person-centred support
Tracheostomy Care
- Refresh suctioning techniques and emergency response procedures
- Develop confidence in troubleshooting and infection prevention
- Share best practice for long-term tracheostomy management
Venepuncture (Phlebotomy)
- Review vein selection, technique, and safety protocols
- Discuss potential complications and escalation procedures
- Reflect on maintaining confidence, accuracy, and consistency in practice
Moving and Handling
- Update knowledge of legislation, guidance, and risk assessment
- Explore complex moving and handling scenarios and team coordination
- Reinforce safe techniques while maintaining dignity and comfort
PEG Feeding
- Review feeding procedures and troubleshooting common issues
- Discuss infection control measures and emergency responses
- Reflect on delivering person-centred nutritional support
Catheterisation
- Refresh techniques for male, female, and suprapubic catheterisation
- Explore infection prevention, complications, and escalation pathways
- Share learning around dignity, consent, and accurate documentation
Basic Life Support (BLS) / AED & CPR
- Review CPR techniques and emergency response protocols
- Practice the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
- Cover airway management and choking response
Palliative Care
- Refresh the principles of palliative and end-of-life care
- Explore symptom management and comfort measures
- Reflect on communication and emotional support for individuals and families
End of Life Care
- Review care planning and legal considerations
- Discuss dignity, respect, and family involvement
- Share best practice for compassionate, person-centred care
Ear Irrigation
- Refresh safe ear irrigation techniques
- Discuss contraindications, risks, and complications
- Practise patient assessment and aftercare guidance
Mental Health Awareness
- Increase understanding of common mental health conditions
- Recognise early warning signs and appropriate support strategies
- Promote wellbeing and reduce stigma in care settings
Dementia Awareness
- Improve understanding of dementia and its impact on individuals
- Learn practical communication techniques and supportive approaches
- Enhance quality of care for people living with dementia
Safeguarding Adults and Children
- Understand safeguarding legislation and responsibilities
- Recognise signs of abuse and neglect
- Learn how to respond to concerns and follow reporting procedures
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Promote inclusive, respectful, and person-centred care
- Understand legal responsibilities and best practice
- Improve communication across diverse care settings
Care Planning and Record Keeping
- Strengthen skills in accurate, compliant documentation
- Understand effective care planning to meet individual needs
- Support continuity and quality of care
Infection Prevention and Control
- Review standard precautions and current guidance
- Understand transmission risks and prevention strategies
- Reinforce safe practice across care environments.
Venepuncture and Cannulation Training
- Review vein assessment, selection, and aseptic technique
- Practise safe venepuncture and peripheral cannulation procedures
- Discuss complications, infection prevention, and escalation pathways
Cannulation
- Refresh peripheral cannulation techniques and equipment use
- Reinforce infection control and patient safety standards
- Build confidence in troubleshooting and escalation
Bowel Management
- Understand bowel function and common bowel conditions
- Review continence support, documentation, and care planning
- Explore dignity, comfort, and escalation of concerns
Catheter Care
- Review ongoing catheter management and maintenance
- Identify complications, infection risks, and prevention strategies
- Reinforce documentation and person-centred care
Care Certificate (Full Package)
- Covers all Care Certificate standards
- Supports new and existing staff to meet national requirements
- Includes safeguarding, duty of care, infection control, and communication.
📚You can enquire about other courses not available on this page and our team will get in touch with you.
What will the session involve?
Depending on the subject, refresher courses may include:
- Facilitated group discussion
- Question‑led learning
- Real‑life scenarios
- Reflection on workplace experiences
- Clarification of updates to guidance or best practice
Slides are used as discussion prompts, not as full teaching content.
Is there a practical element?
Some refresher courses include an opportunity for observed practical demonstration.
Please note:
• This is not a classroom competency assessment
• Trainers do not sign off workplace competence
• Practical elements are used to refresh technique and confidence, not to train from scratch
Important – who should not attend a refresher course?
Refresher courses are not suitable for:
- Learners who are new to the subject.
- Learners without prior training.
- Learners who require step‑by‑step teaching from the basics.
- Learners who are uncomfortable participating in discussion.
If a learner is unable to engage or demonstrate prior knowledge during a refresher session, they may:
- Be advised to attend the full‑day course instead.
- Not receive a certificate of completion.
This ensures training remains safe, meaningful, and professionally responsible.
Refresher course vs full course – which should you choose?
A refresher course is ideal if your team:
- Already know the subject.
- Want a concise, engaging update.
- Prefer discussion and scenario‑based learning.
A full course is the better option if:
- Learners are new or returning after a long gap.
- Confidence levels vary.
- Full theory and structured teaching are needed.
If you’re unsure which option is right, our team will be happy to advise before booking.
Why have we introduced this refresher format?
We developed this approach in response to feedback from customers and trainers who wanted refresher training to be:
- More challenging.
- More interactive.
- More relevant to real practice.
This format ensures refresher training adds genuine value for experienced practitioners while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Summary
Refresher courses are half‑day, facilitated sessions:
- Designed for experienced practitioners only.
- Learners are expected to actively participate.
- Full‑day courses remain available where full teaching is required.
If you’d like help choosing the right course for your team, please contact us — we’ll be happy to help.
Tell us how we can help
Tell us what you need and we will find the best solution for you fast - getting back to you within one working day - (usually the same day)