Imbalance in children

Details

Title

Imbalance in children

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS244

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST, with respect to imbalance in children, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge and perform specialist assessment of patients demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient focused service and in particular to: 

• recognise when a child may have vestibular dysfunction.
• contribute to the determination of the cause of imbalance in a child.
• perform a developmentally appropriate balance assessment of a child.
• instigate an appropriate test protocol and interpret the results.
• implement an appropriate management plan.
• when to refer for an opinion.

Knowledge and understanding

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

• the sensori-motor physiology maintaining balance.
• the development of postural control in childhood.
• the association between sensorineural hearing loss and abnormal vestibular function.
• the ways in which a child may express their symptoms of imbalance.
• the causes of imbalance in a child including neurological, musculoskeletal,
• developmental and vestibular causes.
• the impact of imbalance on a child particularly with regard to education and social integration.
• techniques available to investigate balance disorders in children of different ages.
• the age related changes in balance function and how this is expressed in investigative results
• the treatment options and vestibular habilitation/rehabilitation approaches for children.
• when to refer to an audiovestibular physician, paediatrician, paediatric neurologist, ENT surgeon, geneticist, physiotherapist or occupational therapist for an opinion. the age related changes in balance function and how this is expressed in investigative results.
• Child safeguarding.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module Clinical Scientists in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance and mastery of a range of technical skills whilst critically reflecting and applying in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with children and their parents or carers, and other healthcare professionals and will:

• take an appropriate neuro-otological and developmental history from a child and their parent or carer.
• perform a developmentally-appropriate balance assessment of the child including an eye movement examination.
• request an appropriate range of vestibular tests and be able to recognise abnormalities on those tests as distinct from age-related irregularities.
• differentiate accurately between peripheral and central vestibular disorders.
• request appropriate audiological tests and specialist opinions.
• recognise different causes of childhood imbalance.
• discuss, with respect to peripheral vestibular hypofunction, causes, prognosis and management strategies in a sensitive way with both the child and parent or carer.
• recognise effective and holistic management options and refer to members of the team as 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 Clinical Scientists 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 Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• recognise the impact of imbalance on the child and family, including the effect of imbalance on education and social integration and respond appropriately.
• recognise the complexity and potential seriousness of imbalance in children and be prepared to seek an opinion from an audiovestibular physician, paediatrician or consultant ENT surgeon as appropriate
• recognise the importance of child safeguarding.
• be committed to and support continuous improvement of therapeutic services, with particular reference to auditing practice, evidence based practice, innovative, new and improved technologies.