PSYG08005 2023 Neurophysiology II

Apply advanced clinical knowledge and technical skills in Neurophysiology to appraise Neurophyiological 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 Neurophysiological 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 Neurophysiology, aligning with relevant standards and guidelines, and adapting techniques appropriately as required. 

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

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

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

Communicate specialised knowledge of Neurophysiological 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 progress 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. 

The Neurophysiology I module is a pre-requisite to this module. 

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

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: 

• Neurophysiological conditions
• Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuro-pathophysiology, relevant pharmacology.
• Sleep and sleep disorders
• Adult, paediatric and neonate epilepsy
• Brain death

Indicative Practicals

• Neurophysiological diagnostic investigation techniques
• Clinical Measurement Techniques: Rationale for choice of technique, Results interpretation, Evidence based practice approach 
• EEG basics
• Advanced EEG i.e. EEG telemetry monitoring, ambulatory EEG, EEG in brain death ICU EEG recordings
• Polysomnogram (PSG)
• Intra-operative monitoring (Brain and Spinal Cord monitoring)
• Magnetoencephalography  (MEG)
• Evoked Potentials i.e. Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP), SSEPs (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) and BAERs (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials
• ERGs (Electroretinography)
• EMG (Electromyography)
• Nerve Conduction Studies

• The student will complete clinical competency review of the following neurophysiological investigation: Nerve Conduction Studies.