Clinical Physiology Diagnostics II, 22.5 Credits

Contents

The course consists of three modules:

Module 1: Physiological diagnostics and treatment 7.5 Credits
The module includes the most common physiological methods with theoretical background in invasive/non-invasive arrhythmia diagnosis, pacemaker treatment and invasive circulatory therapy. The module also includes; cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology with PES and ablation of conduction pathways in the heart. Heart rate variability and late potentials, pacemaker implantation, pacemaker replacement, and emergency care are included. Methodology with theoretical background such as functional measurement of the esophagus, long-term registration of the pH of the esophagus, anorectal pressure measurement, kidney function, and urine flow recordings are included.

Module 2: Ultrasound of the heart 7.5 Credits
The module contains ultrasound methodology including transthoracic and transoesophageal cardiac echocardiography, as well as stress-echocardiography.

Module 3: Neurophysiological diagnostics 7.5 Credits
The module consists neurophysiological methodology with theoretical background including among others; EEG (routine/sleep/monitor), assessment of peripheral nerve function with ENeG and recording of the electrical activity in the muscles (EMG). Methods for examining central sensory- (SEP), and motor (MEP pathways, as well as temperature sensory testing are included.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After having passed the course the student should:

• be able to explain the theoretical background of different methods within the fields, and to gain knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of the clinical methods (module 1, 2 and 3)
• have an understanding of science and proven experience in clinical physiology and its importance for professional development (module 1, 2, and 3)
• have knowledge of healthcare in emergency situations (module 1, 2, and 3)
• Have an understanding of programmed electrical stimulation (PES) and ablation conduction pathways in the heart (module 1)
• know different pacemaker systems (module 1)
• know about transoesophagal echocardiography (module 2)
• know about stress-echocardiography (module 2)
• have knowledge of some heart diseases, their etiology, symptoms, pathophysiology, treatment, and how they are diagnosed with ultrasound technology (module 2)
• be able to explain the theoretical background for the physical principles of the ultrasound (including the Doppler technique) (module 2)
• have knowledge regarding different nerve conduction study techniques (ENeG) (module 3)
• have an understanding of principles when interpreting ENeG (module 3)
• have knowledge concerning electromyography (EMG) studies (module 3)
• have knowledge concerning evoked potentials (SEP and MEP) (module 3)
• have knowledge of ethical principles and laws that regulate Swedish health care (modules 1, 2, and 3).

Skills and abilities
After having passed the course the student should:

• apply safety and quality during clinical examinations (module 1, 2, and 3)
• have an understanding how to document, analyze, interpret, critically review, and present results (module 1, 2, and 3)
• have an understanding regarding how to sterile assault during heart catheterization, ablation of conduction pathways in the heart or pacemaker insertions (module 1)
• be able to perform, during supervision, sterile assault during heart catheterization, ablation of conduction pathways in the heart or pacemaker  insertions (module 1)
• have knowledge how to test different pacemaker systems (module 1)
• be able to perform, during supervision, examinations of arterial and venous insufficiencies, as well as thrombotic diagnostic with ultrasound (module 1)
• be able to, during supervision, conduct basic measurements and standard projections (module 2)
• be able to perform, during supervision, large parts of transthoracic echocardiography (module 2)
• be able to perform, during supervision, motor- and sensory ENeG within both the upper and lower extremities (module 3)
• be able to independently perform motor- and sensory ENeG within the upper extremities during clinical diagnostic of carpal tunnel syndrome (module 3)
• be able to independently perform an EEG routine examination on adult patients (module 3)
• understand the meaning of professional secrecy and confidentiality and be able to apply it (modules 1,2, and 3).

Assessment and approach
After having passed the course the student should:

• be able to communicate with patients and relatives (module 1, 2, and 3)
• have developed insight into the professional role and demonstrated collaboration with various personnel categories within the organization (module 1, 2 and 3)
• be able to provide good care and show ability to professional approach towards the patients and apply ethical principals in the care (module 1, 2, and 3)
• be well acquainted with the duty of secrecy and be able to apply this (module 1, 2 and 3)
• demonstrate the ability to act-, with a holistic view of people, to perform assessments, with respect to the following aspects: science, societal and ethics, with particular consideration of human rights (module 1, 2, and 3)
• demonstrate the ability to apply a professional approach (module 1, 2 and 3)
• be able to adopt supervision (module 1, 2, and 3).

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires at least 90 Credits within the area of biomedical laboratory science or in another way have obtained equivalent knowledge.

Form of instruction

The teaching is given in forms of internship placement, case studies, and seminars. Attendance during internship and case seminars is mandatory.

Examination modes

Examination of the course's three modules take place individually in forms of seminars, case reports and written assignments (grade: pass or fail). For a passing grade, the degree is approved for the various parts of the internship according to assessment criteria, seminars, cases and written assignments within respective module. For an approved course, the grade is required for the three modules. In order to get the grade approved on the module, the student must attend and actively participate in all compulsory parts.

The examiner has right, in consultation with the supervisor concerned, to decide to pause a student during an internship if the student exhibits such deficiencies regarding knowledge, skills or attitudes that these, individually or in combination, entail a significant risk that the student may in practice harm an other person physically or mentally. The student then interrupts his or her internship prematurely and receives the grade in the current course. This means that one of possible two internships is consumed.

In connection with such a decision, the examiner in consultation with the student must set up an individual development plan. The development plan must state what knowledge, skills and attitudes the student needs to acquire in order to resume internship. The development plan should be communicated with the exchange partner.

The student has the right to have a grade re-examined by the examiner and the decision can be changed, provided that it can be done quickly and easily and that the grade is not lowered. After two revisions of the grade by the examiner, the student can request a new examiner by the Program Council. The application should be sent to the Program Council of Biomedical Laboratory Science Program and is granted by the Program Council.

Other regulations

During clinical internship, requirements for professional approach, including clothing and hygiene, have to comply with regulations of the receiving clinical practice.