Clinical Physiology Diagnostics I, 15 Credits

Contents

The course consists of two modules: 

Module 1 Ultrasound vessels and peripheral circulation 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. Methods for peripheral pressure and circulation measurement are also included.

Module 2: ECG at rest and during exercise, long term-ECG and lung function 7.5 Credits
The module consists of diagnostic methods with theoretical background for assessment of central circulation, especially heart and lungs. The course contains ECG at rest, ECG during exercise, and long term ECG with arrhythmia diagnostics. In addition, also methodology with theoretical background for examinations of diffusion capacity, lung mechanics, gas distribution and static and dynamic spirometry are included.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• gain knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of the clinical methods (module 1 and 2)
• be able to explain the theoretical background for physical principles of the ultrasound, including the Doppler technique (module 1)
• 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)
• have knowledge of lung mechanics and gas distribution (module 2)
• be able to interpret 12 lead - ECG curves (module 2)
• have knowledge of arrhythmia diagnosis and interpretation of long-term ECG (module 2)
• have an understanding of science and proven experience in clinical physiology and its importance for professional development (module 1 and 2)
• have knowledge of ethical principles and laws that regulate Swedish health care (modules 1 and 2).

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

• apply safety and quality during the clinical examinations (module 1 and 2)
• 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 independently perform calibration of spirometry equipment and to perform static and dynamic spirometry on patients (module 2)
• be able to independently perform lung capacity measurement on patients (module 2)
• be able to independently perform ECG on patients at rest, during exercise, and long term ECG (module 2)
• be able to document, analyze, interpret, critical evaluate and present examination results (module 1 and 2)
• be able to document and present clinical results in peripheral vascular disease (module 1)
• understand the meaning of professional secrecy and confidentiality and be able to apply it (modules 1 and 2).

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

• be able to communicate with patients and relatives (module 1 and 2)
• have developed insight into the professional role and demonstrated collaboration with various personnel categories within the organization (module 1 and 2)
• be able to provide good care and show ability to professional approach towards the patients and apply ethical principals in the care (module 1 and 2)
• be well acquainted with the duty of secrecy and be able to apply this (module 1 and 2)
• be able to adopt supervision (module 1 and 2).

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 placements, case studies, and seminars. Attendance during internship and case seminars is mandatory.

Examination modes

Examination of the two modules of the course is conducted individually in 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 pass is required for the two 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 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.