PSYG08004 2023 Gastrointestinal Physiology II

Apply advanced clinical knowledge and technical skills in Gastrointestinal (GI) Physiology to appraise GI conditions and independently perform physiological measurements in the evaluation of patient conditions. 

Critically evaluate a range of advanced equipment and techniques appropriate to investigate the presenting GI condition, explaining the principles, indications, contraindications, limitations, and potential complications of specific techniques. 

Demonstrate competence in the calibration and operation of specialist equipment while undertaking specified investigations in GI Physiology, aligning with relevant standards and guidelines, and adapting techniques appropriately as required. 

Describe how medication used in the treatment of GI disorders can affect specific investigations. 

Apply reference parameters accurately to interpret advanced diagnostic tests in GI Physiology, compiling a comprehensive patient history and diagnostic report correlating with disease pathology. 

Evaluate treatment options for GI disorders and recognise the role of the GI physiologist in patient management, suggesting or adjusting therapy as would fall under the practitioners scope of practice. 

Communicate specialised knowledge of GI conditions and testing procedures appropriately and apply patient-centred skills to patient education. 

Portray a professional commitment to reflective practice, revising judgements and behaviour considering reflection. 

This module takes a blended learning approach. 

Online lectures will expose students to relevant theory. 

Lectures will be supported by online tutorials from expert practitioners to guide students using a case study approach, facilitating discussion, peer-teaching & learning, groupwork, problem-based learning and interpretation of measured data. 

Experiential learning through hospital-based placement will be guided by specialists synthesising student learning and guiding in the use of clinical equipment and national and international standards to inform practice.  An observational competency-based assessment method will be used frequently across this module as a means of formative learning through feedback. 

Leaners will be encouraged to commit to reflective practice and revise judgements and behaviour considering reflection. 

Students will be directed to supports provided on the University eLearning platform including discussion forums, articles, websites, eLearning activities and recommended reading. 

A formal agreement will be made with hospital sites as regards a quantum of protected time for the delivery of clinical education during placement hours to progressing scaffolded learning. 

Students undertake a final year project (FYP) during this final semester of study in tandem with their ‘major’ hospital-based placement affording learners an opportunity for applied learning through completion of a substantial body of work in a specified topic area independently under supervision. 

Gastrointestinal Physiology I is a pre-requisite for this module. 

The student must be in attendance & log a minimum of 480 hours on their ‘major’ hospital-based placement in Gastrointestinal Physiology. 

This module contains 'must pass' assessments.  The minimum ‘pass’ mark for this module overall is 50%, in addition to meeting the minimum attendance requirement. 

The student will be assessed on their ability to competently carry out clinical tests within this specialist area, as outlined in the indicative syllabus above and Clinical Training Manuals.  

Observational competency-based assessment methods will be used frequently across this module as a means of continuous assessment and preparing students for a final competency assessment.   

The students are required to submit an anonymised written case study which is summarised in an oral presentation. 

Learners will also maintain a reflective log throughout their placement. 

The final written exam will assess students' knowledge to practice through exam questions requiring application of theoretical concepts to practice examples or sample measurement data.

Where a student fails placement, they must repeat that placement. 

Where a student fails an element of placement, that component(s) must be repeated. 

Where the theory exam is failed, the student should resit that exam at the next repeat sitting. 

Indicative Content:

• Upper and Lower GI Physiology investigations and provocation studies (advanced)  
• High Resolution Oesophageal Manometry patterns not covered by CC guidelines -  
• Identification of Vascular artefact, artefact caused by the presence of intrinsic or extrinsic factors such as oesophageal tumours. Post-Surgical Oesophageal Motility studies. Butterfly artefacts, pseudo-obstructions at Oesophagogastric Junction (OGJ)  
• Non-pharmacological treatments of Upper and Lower GI disorders 
• Pathophysiology of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Indications for Impedance-pH monitoring (MII) -  
• Capsule Endoscopy in the study of GI disease. (Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy, Upper GI Capsule Endoscopy and Colonic Capsule Endoscopy - indications) 

Indicative Practicals: 

• High Resolution Manometry  

• 24 Hr pH Impedance Monitoring:  

• Hydrogen/Methane Breath Testing  

• High Resolution Anorectal Manometry  

• Capsule Endoscopy