Module information
Details
- Title
- Pulmonary Shunt Investigation
- Type
- Stage Two
- Module code
- HPS168
- 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 a pulmonary shunt testing 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 physiological and pathophysiological basis of pulmonary shunt.
- the theoretical principles and appropriate method to conduct a pulmonary shunt study.
- current best practice with regards to safety aspects when conducting pulmonary shunt studies.
- the absolute and relative contraindications to testing.
- the appropriate equipment safety checks required.
- the established quality control and quality assurance procedures for:
- Blood Gas Machine Calibration procedures.
- Quality assurance testing.
Technical and clinical skills
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to pulmonary shunt 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:
- perform a pulmonary shunt investigation in accordance with published standards, ensuring health and safety criteria are met.
- ensure equipment has been appropriately verified as suitable for use based on established quality control and quality assurance procedures including:
- blood gas machine calibration procedures.
- quality assurance testing.
- select the appropriate protocol and method of testing.
- review the recorded data in real-time.
- monitor the patient for signs of distress and recognise the appropriate time to terminate testing when necessary.
- perform blood gas analysis via arterial collection methods.
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 clinicians, patients and the public and other healthcare professionals and will:
- analyse pulmonary shunt data utilising current best practice guidelines.
- provide detailed physiological interpretation of pulmonary shunt study based on published guidance and algorithms to determine the presence and severity of any demonstrated shunt.
- develop test reports based on previously published evidence.
- feedback outcomes of study with recommendations for further assessment and potential therapy to requesting healthcare professional.
- 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 pulmonary shunt testing programme.
- promote the importance of active participation by Clinical Scientists in multidisciplinary clinical team meetings.