Training activity information
Details
Assist in the management of an intra-arterial balloon pump (IABP)
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Equipment set up
- Preparation of area
- Patient centred care and support
- Communication with patients, relatives and the clinical team
- Connection to patient
- Contraindications
- Troubleshooting
- Risk management
- Drug prescriptions
- Infection control
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What knowledge do you need regarding the principles of how an IABP works? What do you need to know about the indications and contraindications for IABP use?
- What knowledge is required about the practical aspects of managing the IABP equipment?
- What are the potential complications associated with IABP and how are they monitored or managed?
- Do you understand the safety procedures and risk management associated with assisting with an IABP?
- What do you need to know about communicating with the clinical team regarding the patient’s status and the IABP?
- What specific skills in assisting with IABP management do you hope to develop or improve?
- What insights do you anticipate gaining into the clinical decision-making process regarding IABP use?
- How do you expect this activity to enhance your ability to identify and respond to potential issues with the IABP?
- What do you hope to learn about effective communication within the critical care team in this context?
- Discuss the specific patient scenario or type of assistance you will be providing with your training officer to understand your role and responsibilities.
- Review relevant resources on IABP management, including protocols and troubleshooting guides.
- Consider potential challenges such as equipment malfunction or changes in the patient’s condition, and think about how you might handle them.
- Observe senior colleagues managing an IABP if possible.
- Reflect on your current understanding of cardiac assist devices and identify areas where you need more knowledge.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the task of assisting with IABP management? Why are you doing it this way?
- What decisions are you making as the activity progresses? For example, how are you responding to alarms or changes in the patient’s condition related to the IABP?
- Are you easily anticipating the next steps, or are you needing to actively think through each action?
- How effective are your actions in assisting with the management of the IABP?
- Are you contributing to the smooth operation of the device and patient care?
- What challenges are you facing during this activity? Are there technical issues with the IABP, or are there difficulties in communicating with other team members?
- What can you learn from this activity as it unfolds? Are you gaining a better understanding of IABP waveforms, troubleshooting, or patient responses?
- How does this activity connect to your existing knowledge and skills?
- Are you drawing upon your understanding of haemodynamics, critical care monitoring, or circulatory support?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering in assisting with the management of the IABP?
- If faced with a problem, are you thinking about different solutions?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment? Are you aware of when to ask for help from senior colleagues?
- Are you working within your scope of practice? Are you undertaking tasks that you are trained and able to perform?
On action
- Summarise the key aspects of the experience. What were the main events or tasks you were involved in?
- What were the patient’s condition and response during the period you were assisting?
- What did you observe about the roles and responsibilities of other team members involved in managing the IABP?
- What technical aspects of the IABP management stood out to you?
- What new skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through assisting with the IABP?
- Were there any unexpected challenges or successes during the activity? What did you learn from these? In what ways did your reflection-in-action (during the activity) influence how the activity unfolded? For example, did you adjust your approach based on real-time observations?
- How does this experience relate to the requirements for post-programme practice in critical care?
- What areas for continued development have been identified as a result of this activity related to IABP management?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice or future experiences with IABPs?
- Identify the actions / ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned about IABP management.
- What support or resources might you need to further develop in the areas identified through this reflection on IABP management?
Beyond action
- What new perspectives do you have on this DTA now that some time has passed and you have gained more experience?
- Have you had other experiences related to cardiac support since this original experience? If so, how does this DTA compare to those experiences? What observable behaviours and practices have you assimilated into your own practice as a result of both types of activities?
- Revisit your reflect-on-action notes from this DTA. Have your thoughts or understanding of the experience changed since then? What learning or actions might you now identify?
- How has this specific experience with IABP management supported you in developing skills for other training activities (e.g., communication with the team, understanding patient monitoring, problem-solving)?
- Have you applied any knowledge gained from this IABP experience in other clinical situations since the original experience? How have your skills related to cardiac support or critical care developed since then? How has experience since influenced your wider practice?
- Identify the transferable skills you are developing through this training activity (e.g., attention to detail, understanding of complex equipment, teamwork).
- Identify clear actions for continued development of the skills introduced through this activity related to IABP management and critical care.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Apply techniques to manage and monitor cardiac conditions. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Communicate effectively with the patient and the multi-disciplinary team. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Practice safely, managing risk in all elements of patient care. |