Training activity information
Details
Apply and evaluate the application of a model that describes a physiological system which incorporates a system of differential equations
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
- For example: Mechanical ventilator-lung, muscle-tendon interaction, pressure-flow relations in cardiovascular function, urodynamic function, and muscle activation-contraction dynamics
- Numerical methods
- Reduction of higher order DEs to systems of first-order ODEs
- Numerical integration methods.
- Discretisation error
- Interaction between anatomical/physiological subsystems
- Sensitivity of solution to parameter values
- Software environments
- Model validation
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 is the specific physiological system you will be modelling?
- What are the underlying differential equations that describe this system?
- What software or tools will you be using to apply and simulate the model?
- What is your understanding of differential equations and their application in physiological modelling?
- How will you apply the model to explore different scenarios or parameters?
- What criteria will you use to evaluate the application of the model (e.g., its accuracy, limitations, insights gained)?
- What challenges do you anticipate in understanding the physiological system, working with the differential equations, and evaluating the model’s application?
In action
- As you input parameters and run simulations of the physiological model, are you observing how changes in input values affect the model’s output?
- Are these changes consistent with your understanding of the system?
- When evaluating the model’s application, are you considering its strengths and limitations in representing the real-world physiological system?
- Are you identifying any assumptions embedded within the model and considering their potential impact on the simulation results?
- Are you exploring different scenarios or conditions using the model to see if it behaves as expected under various circumstances?
- Are you reflecting on the insights the model provides about the physiological system and how these insights might be applied in practice?
On action
- Summarise the physiological system model you applied, the software or tools you used, and the key outputs and insights you obtained from the model.
- What did you learn about applying and evaluating physiological models based on differential equations?
- Did you gain a better understanding of how mathematical models can represent biological processes?
- What did you learn about the strengths and limitations of using such models?
- How did varying parameters or conditions within the model influence the outcomes?
- How does the application of physiological models contribute to understanding and predicting biological behaviour?
- Were there any unexpected predictions or behaviours from the model?
- How did you interpret these?
- Were there any challenges in understanding the underlying differential equations or the model’s assumptions?
- What specific aspects of physiological modelling and differential equations do you need to explore further?
- How can you improve your ability to critically evaluate the applicability and limitations of such models?
- What are your next steps in developing your understanding of computational modelling in physiology?
- What resources could be helpful?
Beyond action
- Have you encountered other physiological models or applications of differential equations in healthcare since this DTA?
- How has your understanding of the use of mathematical modelling to describe physiological processes evolved?
- Have you discussed the strengths and limitations of physiological models with colleagues or experts?
- How has this experience influenced your understanding of the underlying physiological principles in clinical measurements or interventions?
- Have you applied your knowledge of physiological modelling to interpret clinical data or understand disease processes?
- Has your appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare science increased?
- What analytical and problem-solving skills did you develop that will be valuable in research or understanding complex biological systems?
- How has this experience informed your understanding of the application of mathematical principles in healthcare?
- What clear actions for continued development in physiological modelling or mathematical biology have been identified?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Create and evaluate mechanical, electronic and physiological models using a range of methodologies. |