Ultrasound and Diagnostics in Clinical Neurophysiology, 22.5 Credits

Contents

The course consists of three modules:

Module 1: Ultrasound vessels 7.5 Credits
The module consists of theoretical background of peripheral circulation examination methods. The module includes ultrasound technique on for non-invasive studies of arterial and venous insufficiencies as well as venous thrombosis.

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: Diagnostics in Neurophysiology 7.5 Credits
The module consists of 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)
• be able to explain the theoretical background for physical principles of the ultrasound, including the Doppler technique (module 1 and 2)
• be able to understand venous thrombosis diagnosis with ultrasound and examination results in peripheral vascular diseases (module 1)
• be familiar with the most common projections and the techniques used in various issues in vascular diagnosis (module 1)
• understand the principles of arterial and venous insufficiencies examinations (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)
• 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)
• be able to independently perform a neck vascular examination with ultrasound (module 1)
• be able to perform, during supervision, examinations of arterial and venous thrombosis diagnostics with ultrasound (module 1)
• be able to document and present clinical results in peripheral vascular disease (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 includes 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). The grade pass require that all parts of the internship are approved according to assessment criteria as well as pass grade for all seminars, cases and written assignments within respective module. In order to obtain grade pass for the entire course requires grade pass for each of the three modules. In order to get the grade pass for respective 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 occasions is spent.
 
In connection with such a decision, the examiner in consultation with the student must set up an individual development plan. The 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 manuscript 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.