Bild Certified PMVA Training
Great News! Our PMVA Training course is now Bild-ACT Certified and meets the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards.
PICA Eating Disorder – Online Training Module
Course Description
This CPD-accredited course provides healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of PICA, a complex eating disorder characterised by the persistent consumption of non-nutritive substances. The module explores its causes, risk factors, health implications, and evidence-based approaches to assessment, management, and patient support.
Learners will gain practical knowledge for recognising, diagnosing, and managing PICA within a multidisciplinary care framework, while also addressing ethical issues and communication challenges.
Course Summary
Duration: 1 hour
CPD Points: 1
Completion Window: 6 months from date of purchase
Certification: Certificate of Completion
This course supports professional revalidation and development in line with NMC CPD requirements.
Who Is This Course For?
Nurses, midwives, and allied healthcare professionals
Mental health practitioners and support staff
Nutritionists and dietitians working with patients at risk of eating disorders
Social workers, carers, and educators supporting vulnerable individuals
Healthcare staff seeking CPD-accredited training on eating disorders
Course Contents
Introduction to PICA
Definition, prevalence, and risk factors
Impact on physical and mental health
Recognising PICA
Common substances consumed
Signs, symptoms, and differential diagnosis
Health Risks and Complications
Gastrointestinal and nutritional risks
Infections, dental issues, and obstructions
Assessing and Diagnosing PICA
Conducting patient assessments
Working with multidisciplinary teams
Identifying underlying causes and co-occurring conditions
Treatment and Management
Evidence-based management approaches
Multidisciplinary interventions and coordination of care
Addressing nutritional deficiencies
Communication and Support
Empathetic, non-judgmental communication
Educating families, patients, and caregivers
Providing ongoing support
Ethical Considerations
Autonomy vs. safety dilemmas
Confidentiality and privacy in PICA cases
Case Studies and Practical Examples
Real-life scenarios and decision-making
Guidance on interventions and care planning
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Define PICA and explain its prevalence and impact on health.
Recognise signs, symptoms, and substances linked to PICA.
Identify health risks and complications such as infections, deficiencies, and obstructions.
Conduct and contribute to thorough PICA assessments and differential diagnosis.
Apply evidence-based management strategies within a multidisciplinary framework.
Use effective communication when supporting patients, families, and caregivers.
Navigate ethical dilemmas while ensuring patient autonomy and safety.
Analyse case studies to develop decision-making and intervention planning skills.
Identify resources, support groups, and organisations specialising in PICA.
Demonstrate comprehension through assessments and knowledge checks.
Frameworks & Standards
CPD Accreditation: 1 CPD Point, aligned with NMC CPD standards
Professional Requirements: Contributes towards the required 35 hours of CPD every 3 years (with 20 participatory hours) for NMC revalidation
Compliance: Aligned with best practice guidance for eating disorder management, safeguarding, and patient care within UK healthcare
