Module information

Details

Title
Antibiotic Therapy Challenge Testing
Type
Stage Two
Module code
HPS150
Requirement
Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their knowledge to be competent in the management, delivery, interpretation and reporting of an nebulised antibiotic therapy service within scope of practice of Consultant Clinical Scientist.

Knowledge and understanding

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

  • pharmacology of antibiotic drugs used in the role of nebulised antibiotic therapy (see associated clinical skills).
  • safe procedures for the preparation of diluted nebulised drugs.
  • limitations of compressor and nebuliser and the physical issues around delivering the drug appropriately.
  • principle of on and off formulary medication and the regulations around this.
  • respiratory conditions that benefit from nebulised antibiotics.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to antibiotic therapy challenge testing, will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance and mastery of the following technical skills: 

  • undertake nebulised anti-biotic challenge in accordance with published standards, complying with health and safety criteria
  • ensure the validity and reliability of equipment used for antibiotic challenge testing
  • select the appropriate the protocol and method of testing
  • monitor patient for signs of distress and/or signs that early test termination may be required
  • perform real-time review of recorded data
  • perform quality assured spirometry following the protocol for nebulised anti-biotic administrationundertake nebulised anti-biotic challenge in accordance with published standards, complying with health and safety criteria
  • ensure the safety of the procedure to both the patient and healthcare professional performing the challenge

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically reflect and apply in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with patients, relevant clinicians, patients and the public and other healthcare professionals and will:

  • undertake definitive analysis of physiological data collected during the nebulised anti-biotic challenge.
  • provide detailed physiological interpretation of anti-biotic challenge based on published guidance and provide recommendation with regards to on-going therapy, safety concerns or need for alternative therapy requirements.
  • determine the appropriateness of undertaking the challenge, the recommended anti-biotic and dose and utilisation of information during interpretation and report generation, using referral information, past medical history, including symptoms from patient, previous blood and sputum analysis/bronchoalveolar lavage.
  • feedback to referral teams with regards to outcome of anti-biotic challenge, any safety concerns, recommendations for future therapy and the requirement for further investigations where appropriate.
  • reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to these areas of practice 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:

  • maintain patient confidentiality throughout investigations and reporting of outcomes.
  • continually investigate potential improvements to delivery of a nebulised anti-biotic challenge testing programme.
  • promote the importance of active participation by Clinical Scientists in multidisciplinary clinical team meetings.

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code HPS1-3-1-20 Specialty title Respiratory & Sleep Science (Adult) [V1] Action View
Specialty code HPS1-3-2-20 Specialty title Respiratory & Sleep Science (Paediatric) [V1] Action View