Analytical Sciences

Details

Title

Analytical Sciences

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPE400

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge of appropriate information relevant to clinical and technical practice in a healthcare setting. This will include analysis of clinical information, analogue models and multimodal digital investigations. Including  CT, CBCT, 3D photography and surface scanning techniques, gathering these different strands of data to select anatomical information required for specific patient planning and treatment.

They will be able to determine what data are required for the case analysis in relation to Reconstructive Science and for surgical planning with multiple surgical specialities. They will be able to analyse and adapt data sets if required where the data is incomplete, missing, or the anatomical form is disrupted by previous surgery, trauma or congenital deformity.

They should consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist, prioritising patient safety and placing the patient at the centre of care.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, critically evaluate and apply their knowledge with respect to the:

• identification of the anatomical structures in the head and neck in the context of Reconstructive Science on an X-ray or CT scan;
• identification of the presence of altered anatomy due to disease, trauma, or congenital deformities for the purpose of surgical planning;
• identification of the appearance of scar tissue, missing anatomical features, normal and misaligned features due to previous injuries, repairs and grafts;
• identification of occlusal relationships and wear patterns for re-establishment of the occlusion, e.g. dento-alveolar fragments on diagnostic orofacial trauma models;
• identification and evaluation of bone density and bone quality for implant planning utilising specific software, e.g. implant planning software;
• identification and evaluation of bony donor sites for surgical reconstruction;
• identification and analysis of cephalometric data points for osteotomy planning;
• relation of the analytical data to patients, carers, other healthcare professionals and senior dental and medical staff in a manner that is sympathetic to their level of understanding;
• role of data interpretation in consenting patients for specific procedures in conjunction with the appropriate dental or medical consultant;
• effects of the incorporation of evolving technologies on the other services supported or carried out by Reconstructive Science on patient pathways;
• the range of stakeholders and their potential requirements, sensitivities and aspirations;
• local and national policies relating to the services provided by Reconstructive Science and their impact on current and future patient pathways.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to reflect critically on their practice and knowledge of digital planning and manufacture used in Reconstructive Science. They will be expected to apply in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with relevant patients, carers, clinicians and other healthcare professionals and will, within the MDT:

• analyse digital, analogue and clinical data from multimodal sources and translate this information to the specific patient requirements;
• review this data in a multidisciplinary environment, manipulating the data to demonstrate analysis and predictions of patient outcomes;
• analyse multiple types of tissue, bone, muscle and soft tissue to build a complex 3D planning environment using CAD;
• evaluate digital data and be able to identify anatomical landmarks and isolate them for 3D build, e.g. grey scale Hounsfield Units for various structures;
• analyse pre- and postoperative data to compare planned procedures with actual outcomes;
• discuss the follow-up, further investigation and/or appropriate treatment ofindividual patients based on the outcomes of clinical investigations and current best practice/evidence;
• work with peers, patients, carers and service users to assess the impact of new services or changes to services provided by Reconstructive Science services;
• develop and critically evaluate modified or improved service delivery, producing valid comparative data with existing procedures, and involving the views of patients or service users.

In addition they will be aware of their own attitudes, values, professional capabilities and ethics, and will critically reflect on (i) their professional practice and (ii) the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these areas of practice, identifying opportunities to improve practice building on a critique of available evidence.