Respiratory Diagnostics in Paediatrics

Details

Title

Respiratory Diagnostics in Paediatrics

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS169

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their knowledge and master a range of technical skills to be competent in the assessment of paediatric patients requiring specialised lung function testing 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: 

• predisposing factors, aetiology, presentation and differential disorders requiring specialised lung function techniques in pre-school age, school age and adolescent patients including;
  • airway function (oscillometry (IOS, FOT)
  • specific airways conductance/resistance (SGAW, SRAW
  • interrupter technique (Rint)).
• measures of ventilation inhomogeneity (lung clearance index (LCI).
• lung volumes (plethysmography and washout techniques).
• gas Transfer techniques, (TLCO, TLNO).
• lung mechanics (compliance, pressure/volume measurements, etc).
• inflammatory markers (exhaled NO (eNO), exhaled breath condensate, induced sputum).
• cilliary dysfunction measures (nasal NO, nasal brushings).
• challenge testing (hypoxic challenge, airway-hyperresponsiveness (methacholine, mannitol etc).
• exercise tests (3 minute step tests, 6 minute walk, CPET in older children).
• respiratory muscle testing (MIPs, MEPs).
• emerging research techniques (e.g. optoplethysmography (breathing patterns, Konno and Mead analysis, etc).
• requirements for specialist paediatric lung function tests in patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions.
• equipment and interfaces used in these advanced techniques.
• the growth and development of the respiratory system and how this influences interpretation of lung function tests.exercise tests (3 minute step tests, 6 minute walk, CPET in older children).
• Child safeguarding. 

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to respiratory diagnostics in Paediatrics, 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 and interpret a variety of paediatric airway function tests.
• perform and interpret a variety paediatric lung mechanical assessments.
• perform and interpret a variety of paediatric gas transfer tests (including TLNO).
• perform and interpret paediatric compliance measurements.
• perform and interpret a variety of optoplethysmography techniques.

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:

• order and supervise a variety of specialised paediatric lung function tests.
• interpret and act on clinical reports and results from specialised paediatric lung function tests.
• communicate with patients/parents/relatives, colleagues and clinical services (MDT) regarding diagnosis and management (especially from the results of specialised paediatric lung function tests).
• adopt a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of paediatric patient with a range of respiratory disorders.
• 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.
• recognise the importance of child safeguarding.
• promote the importance of active participation by Clinical Scientists in multidisciplinary clinical team meetings.
• be enthusiastic and develop services through new innovations and implementation.
• interact with children of all ages to ensure the best results are obtained.