Challenges in neonatal encephalopathy
This short course covers the basics of perinatal brain injury, with a particular focus on the tools and evidence used for diagnosis and prognostication.
Course key facts
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Date
27 Apr - 29 May 2026
Duration
5 weeks
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Credits
Non credit bearing
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Format
Online
Fee
£495
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Location
Online
Overview
Neonatal encephalopathy is a devastating condition to the fetal and post-natal brain. This short course covers the basics of perinatal brain injury, with a particular focus on the tools and evidence used for diagnosis and prognostication such as neonatal neurological examination, brain MRI/MR spectroscopy, neonatal EEG and aEEG. You will learn how to interpret neonatal aEEG and you will understand the principles of brain MRI and spectroscopy, and become familiar with the indications for, and interpretation of, the various diagnostic imaging techniques.
Learning journey
We will focus on understanding neonatal encephalopathy disease pathophysiology, and how this has led to the development of specific therapies and the ongoing research and evaluation into future therapeutic intervention. Ethics of ongoing care and the psychological impact of brain injury/encephalopathy will be examined.
The course is part of a range of short courses spread throughout the academic year which are available both to students who are enrolled on the MSc Applied Paediatrics course and as stand-alone CPD programmes for all healthcare professionals.
The course consists of several synchronous sessions on a video-conferencing platform which participants are expected to attend on the following dates (UK time):
- Thursday, 7 May 2026: 17.30 - 18.30
- Thursday, 14 May 2026: 16.00 - 18.30
- Thursday, 21 May 2026: 17.30 - 18.30
- Thursday, 28 May 2026: 17.00 - 18.30
Course details
By the end of the short course you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the neonate by the use of Neurological examination and neurodevelopmental assessment
- Formulate an evidence-based diagnostic plan for an encephalopathic infant employing appropriate techniques and investigative modalities
- Critique the process of the development of personalised medicine within neonatal neurology, developing the "bench to bedside" translation.
The course runs online over 5 consecutive weeks, and you are expected to conduct approximately 7 to 10 hours of self-directed study per week, depending on your pace of learning. This consists of weekly directed tasks that you can undertake at your own pace and timing, such as watching recorded lectures, assigned reading or reflection and forum work, but also may consist of group work online. There are also planned synchronous sessions during the course to discuss ideas, present group and individual work and to facilitate further learning.
Short course students will not be formally assessed on the course however, you will receive feedback for any submitted activities such as participation and contribution to group work and interactive sessions including a workshop within the course.
Evidence of sufficient participation will be required to obtain a course certificate.
This course will benefit paediatricians, GPs, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals involved in Child Health.
As the course is a multi-professional programme, students will develop an understanding of how their own individual behaviours, and those of the teams within which they work, can have a significant influence on the quality of care delivered.
The fee covers tuition and online resources but does not cover, refreshments, travel or accommodation.
If you have any queries regarding your booking please contact us via email or by phone: +44 (0)20 7594 6885
Detailed joining instructions will be sent to all participants 10-14 days prior to the commencement of the course. Places on these courses are limited, EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISED.
A 20% administration fee will be levied for cancellations made up to two weeks prior to the start of the course. Cancellations thereafter will be liable to the loss of the full fee. Notice of cancellation must be given in writing by letter or fax and action will be taken to recover, from the delegates or their employers, that proportion of the fee owing at the time of cancellation.
Imperial College London reserves the right to cancel an advertised course at short notice. It will endeavour to provide participants with as much notice as possible, but will not accept liability for costs incurred by participants or their organisations for the cancellation of travel arrangements and/or accommodation reservations as a result of the course being cancelled or postponed. If a course is cancelled, fees will be refunded in full. Imperial College also reserves the right to postpone or make such alterations to the content of a course as may be necessary.
Module leaders
Dr Deena-Shefali Patel
Honorary Lecturer, Imperial College London
Deena-Shefali Patel is an Honorary Lecturer and the Lead for the Applied Paediatrics (PG Cert, PG Dip, MSc) at Imperial. She is a Consultant Neonatologist at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. She holds an MD (res) following research based on neonatal ventilation and a PG Cert. in Healthcare Ethics and Law. Her vision for the postgraduate offering is to encourage recognition, collaboration, and innovation within education. She hopes that as a community of educators we can inspire future generations of Paediatric practitioners to take on the challenge of advancing Paediatric health promotion and healthcare.
Contact us
Have a question?
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and a member of the team will be happy to help.
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 7594 6884
- Email: cpd@imperial.ac.uk
