PSYG08006 2023 Respiratory Physiology II

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

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

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

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

Communicate specialised knowledge of Respiratory 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. 

Respiratory 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 Respiratory 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.

Learners will also maintain a reflective log throughout their placement. 

Students understanding of applied theoretical concepts will be assessed via final written exam.  

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:

• Principals of advanced Respiratory Physiology tests including sleep diagnostic and therapy procedures 

• Calibration and Quality Assurance - - Awareness of patient and equipment safety procedures including gas cylinder, infection control & HSE policy and procedures. 

• Demonstration on how to carry out tests  

• Guidelines, limitations, indications and contraindications, infection control and safety for testing  

• Medical history taking and medical terminology - demonstrating the ability to identify and summarise normal and abnormal test results with correct medical terminology       

• Test interpretation and use of appropriate reference values 

• Report writing  

Indicative Practicals: 

• Bronchial challenge tests 

• cardiopulmonary exercise tests 

• Forced oscillation and sleep diagnostic procedures including polygraphy and basic polysomnography 

• Therapy methods for treatment of Sleep disordered breathing e.g. NIV, MAD etc 

 Tutorials supervised by Respiratory tutor