Common Clinical Investigations

Details

Title

Common Clinical Investigations

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPE301

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to analyse and synthesise their understanding of the provision of high quality clinical care and effective communication with specific emphasis  on the appropriate investigations that are commonly  requested  or  required  during  a  hospital  admission  or as an outpatient  or  in  general practice, together with an awareness of abnormal ranges and presentations.   The Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to apply their knowledge in a range of clinical setting and to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations using the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist. The outcomes of this module must be set in the context of the scope of practice of the Clinical Biomedical Engineer and within the context of the multi-professional team approach to care.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their knowledge of a range of common clinical investigations including: 

• the methods, underpinning principles, diagnostic limitations and contraindications, in order to ensure correct and relevant referrals/requests
• the potential harmful effects of ionising radiation, magnetic fields and intravascular contrast and justifies radiation exposure (see UK Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000)

Commonly requested investigations

The following investigations are commonly requested or required during a hospital admission or as an outpatient or in general practice for typical care pathways within clinical biomedical engineering that patients are referred or managed through. The Clinical Scientist in HSST should understand what common tests and procedures entail, the diagnostic limitations and contraindications, in order to ensure correct and relevant referrals/requests.

Laboratory tests

• Haematological
  • Full blood count
  • Coagulation studies
  • Inflammatory markers
  • Biochemical
  • Urea and electrolytes
  • Blood glucose
  • Cardiac markers
  • Liver function tests
  • Amylase
  • Calcium and phosphate
  • Lactate
  • Arterial blood gases
• Pathology
  • Histopathological/cytopathological, microbiological sampling including blood cultures (obtained by correct aseptic technique), tissue (including biopsies and surgical specimens) and pus
  • Post mortem examination
• Bedside tests (tests performed in proximity to the patient)
  • 12 lead ECG
  • tests of respiratory function: peak flow, spirometry
  • Urinalysis
• Imaging tests
  • Plain radiographs e.g. chest X-ray, abdominal X-ray
  • Trauma radiography
  • Cross sectional imaging e.g. ultrasound, CT and MRI

Technical and clinical skills

Consultant Clinical Scientists in Clinical Biomedical Engineering will not be expected to request or interpret tests. There needs to be a shared vocabulary with clinical colleagues enabling effective communication between Clinical Scientists and other specialties. Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge within the context of the multi-professional team and in a range of clinical situations.

The Clinical Scientist in HSST will also be expected to reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these investigations and suggest improvements, building on a critique of available evidence.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• recognise that patients may have unspoken concerns and communicates in an empathic manner to elicit and address these
• work with patients and colleagues to develop sustainable individual care plans to manage patients’ acute and long-term conditions
• consider the patient as a whole, respecting their individual needs, dignity and right to privacy, autonomy and confidentiality
• respect patients’ views and encourage patients with knowledge of their condition to make appropriately informed decisions about their care
• communicate effectively and with understanding and empathy