PSYG08018 2023 Vascular Physiology I
The aim of this module is to provide the student with a conceptual and applied understanding of the role of vascular measurements in the evaluation of a patient's condition. The module will cover fundamentals of anatomical, physiological, and pharmacological knowledge and technical expertise required for the provision of clinical vascular diagnostics. This module permits learners to link pre-requisite knowledge of anatomy and physics with vascular testing and ultrasound equipment in a real-world setting.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Compile a comprehensive patient history report and apply guidelines, indications, contraindications, and limitations for testing in a patient centred approach, modifying as appropriate.
Appraise basic vascular physiology conditions and critically evaluate a range of equipment and techniques appropriate to investigate the presenting condition explaining the indications, contraindications, limitations, and potential complications of specific techniques demonstrating an understanding of relevant/potential treatment pathways.
Determine appropriate calibration methods and demonstrate operational techniques for the use of specialised equipment in vascular physiology investigations.
Assess conceptual and applied specialized knowledge and skills of vascular physiology measurements in the evaluation of a patient's condition.
Explain how medications used in the treatment of vascular disorders can affect vascular investigations.
Ascertain how to carry out, accurately report, and interpret diagnostic tests in vascular physiology safely and in alignment with guidelines, applying reference values accurately.
Display a professional commitment to reflective practice and revises judgements and behaviour considering reflection.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module takes a blended learning approach.
Online lectures will expose students to relevant theory.
Lectures will be supported by online tutorials from recognised experts to guide students using a case study approach, facilitating discussion, problem-based learning and interpretation of data.
Experiential learning through hospital-based placement will be guided by specialists synthesising student learning. 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.
This module pre-curses the Vascular Physiology II Module.
The student must be in attendance & log a minimum of 300 hours on their ‘minor’ hospital-based placement in Vascular Physiology.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module contains 'must pass' assessments (final exam and final clinical competency assessment). 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.
These modules are clinical placement modules. The reflective log will be completed by the student on placement, related to specific events they experience; therefore the week of assessment will be flexible. The ongoing Clinical Competency Practical assessments is centred around competency and therefore week of assessment will be flexible. The FINAL Clinical Competency Practical Assessment will happen at the end of placement (this is not an option on module manager)
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.
Repeat Assessments
A ‘Pass’ overall in this module is a pre-requisite to undertaking Placement 4 (major Placement).
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.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
-
Vascular Physiology
-
Haemodynamics
-
Upper and lower limb arterial system – Epidemiology and pathology of the peripheral arteries, risk factors, presentation, and manifestation
-
Cerebrovascular Physiology – Epidemiology and pathology of the cerebrovascular arteries, risk factors, presentation, and manifestation
-
Diagnostic tests – interpretation, indications, contraindications, and limitations of testing 
Indicative Practical
-
Obtain a comprehensive patient medical history and skilfully perform relevant diagnostic vascular tests on a normal subject.
-
Perform and interpret a routine ABI and note the need for any additional imaging.
-
Demonstrate knowledge of, and ability to, apply carotid duplex protocol.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Case Study Report & Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 15 % | End of Term | 1,2,4,5,6 |
2 | Reflective Log | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 5 % | OnGoing | 7 |
3 | ONGOING Clinical Competency Practical Assessment | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,6 |
4 | FINAL Clinical Competency Practical Assessment | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 20 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Vascular Physiology 1 | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 50 % | End of Semester | 2,3,4,5,6 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Vascular Physiology 1 | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Vascular Physiology 1 | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Module Resources
Gibbs, V., Cole,D. and Sassano,A. ( 2010) Ultrasound Physics and technology How, Why and When, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Thrush, A. and Hartshorne, T. ( 2013) Vascular Ultrasound How , why and When, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Zwiebel, W. and Pellerito, J. ( 2000) Introduction to vascular Ultrasonography, Elsevier 
Oates, C. ( 2001) Cardiovascular Haemodynamics and Doppler Waveforms Explained , Cambridge University press
Essentials of Ultrasound Physics James A. Zagzebski
The Society for Vascular Technology Manuals
AHA Journals
British Medical Journal
Thrombosis and Haemostasis
European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery
Journal of Vascular Surgery
HSE
IICMS
Academy for Healthcare Science
NICE Guidelines