Module information
Details
- Title
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Type
- Stage One
- Module code
- HPS104
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Module objective
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to congenital heart disease, will be able to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge, and perform the specialist assessment of adult patients with CHD. They should also consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient-focused service.
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge of CHD, including:
- the anatomy of the heart and great vessels, and of cardiac embryology and development;
- simple and complex congenital defects and the important aspects of their management;
- the natural history of simple and complex congenital conditions;
- the process of transition from childhood and paediatric services to adulthood and adult services;
- genetics, genomics and prenatal diagnosis;
- congenital cardiac lesions and previous surgery may be associated with specific arrhythmias – the commonest emergency in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD);
- pulmonary hypertension complicating CHD increases the risk of iatrogenic complications;
- when to seek specialist advice.
Technical and clinical skills
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance, adaptation and mastery of a range of clinical and communication skills and will:
- take a relevant history and perform an appropriate examination;
- interface with the paediatric team in the handover of patients from paediatric to adult services;
- select and use investigations appropriately;
- recognise the arrhythmias that are peculiar to some forms of CHD and require specialist advice;
- formulate an appropriate management plan.
Attitudes and behaviours
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations. They should consistently demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence, referring as appropriate to senior staff, and will:
- appreciate the importance of genetic counselling;
- refer patients for a specialist opinion as necessary;
- have appropriate self-confidence and recognition of limitations;
- appreciate the social and emotional difficulties encountered by patients with CHD.