Respiratory Muscle Function Assessment and Treatment

Details

Title

Respiratory Muscle Function Assessment and Treatment

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS171

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 master the technical skills to be competent in assessment of patients with confirmed or suspected respiratory muscle dysfunction 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 knowledge with respect to the: 

• predisposing factors, aetiology, presentation and differential disorders causing muscle dysfunction
• detailed diagnosis and management of muscle weakening disorders, including:
  • neuropathy
  • myasthenia gravis
  • muscular dystrophy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • motor neurone disease
  • Marchiafava-Bignami disease
  • Guillan Barre syndrome
  • Cushing’s syndrome
• requirements for non-invasive ventilation in patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure
• equipment and interfaces used in non-invasive ventilation
• requirements for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module, with respect to respiratory muscle function testing, the Clinical Scientist in HSST 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 arterialised blood gas and transcutaneous blood gas sampling.
• perform mouth pressure measurement.
• perform Sniff nasal pressure.
• perform phrenic nerve stimulation (electrical and magnetic).
• interpret chest radiography as appropriate.

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:

• obtain informed consent.
• take a comprehensive history and perform a clinical examination on a patient.
• assess the primary cause of respiratory failure and associated co-morbidity.
• interpret and act on clinical reports and results.
• communicate with patients/relatives, colleagues and clinical services (MDT) regarding diagnosis and management (especially oxygen and/or NIV).
• adopt a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of patient with a range of muscle weakening 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
• promote the importance of active participation by Clinical Scientists in multi- disciplinary clinical team meetings
• demonstrate enthusiasm and service development through new innovations and implementation