PSYG09004 2022 Respiratory Physiology I

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 respiratory 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 respiratory physiology investigations.

Assess conceptual and applied specialized knowledge and skills of respiratory measurements in the evaluation of a patient's condition. 

Explain how medications used in the treatment of respiratory disorders can affect respiratory investigations. 

Ascertain how to carry out, report and interpret diagnostic tests in respiratory 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. 

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 learning. 

This module pre-curses Respiratory Physiology II Module. 

The student must be in attendance & log a minimum of 300 hours on their ‘minor’ hospital-based placement in Respiratory Physiology. 

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. 

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.

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. 

• Respiratory physiology 

• Principals of Respiratory Physiology tests 

• 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: 

• spirometry,  

• bronchodilator response 

• lung volumes by gas measurement and body plethysmography 

• muscle pressure tests 

• skin prick allergy tests 

• peak flow measurement 

• oximetry 

• blood gas sampling 

• 6-minute walk 

• sit to stand tests.