Training activity information
Details
Assess a patient and analyse their presenting clinical symptoms and recommend the relevant diagnostic test
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.
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
- Before this activity, what are the common clinical symptoms that warrant cardiac imaging?
- What are the different types of diagnostic tests available in cardiac imaging (e.g., echocardiogram, ECG, etc.) and what information does each provide?
- How will you approach a patient to gather relevant clinical information?
- What guidelines or protocols should you be aware of when recommending diagnostic tests?
In action
- Pay attention to how you are assessing the patient and analysing their symptoms. Why are you focusing on particular aspects of their presentation? What diagnostic tests are you considering and why? Are you changing your line of questioning or the types of diagnostic tests you are considering based on the information you are gathering? Are you drawing on past experiences with similar patient presentations? Where are you needing to actively recall specific knowledge or guidelines?
- How confident are you in your ability to identify the relevant diagnostic test? Are there any challenges you are encountering in understanding the patient’s presentation or linking it to potential tests? Are you noticing any patterns or connections between symptoms and diagnostic tests that you weren’t aware of before? Are you applying knowledge of different cardiac conditions and the utility of various imaging modalities?
- Are there other diagnostic tests that might also be relevant? Why are you prioritising one over another in this moment? Are there aspects of the patient’s presentation or potential diagnostic tests where you feel unsure and would benefit from input from a supervisor? Are the recommendations you are considering appropriate for your level of training?
On action
- Describe the patient’s presenting clinical symptoms and the diagnostic tests you considered. Note which test you recommended and the reasoning behind your choice.
- Reflect on your ability to link clinical symptoms to appropriate diagnostic tests in cardiac imaging. Did you gain a better understanding of the indications and limitations of different tests? Were there any challenges in the assessment or decision-making process? How does this relate to your role in patient-centred practice?
- Identify any areas where you need to improve your understanding of the clinical indications for various cardiac imaging modalities. How will you approach similar patient assessments in the future? What resources or guidelines will you consult?
Beyond action
- Consider if you have encountered similar patient presentations since this training activity. Have your subsequent experiences in assessing patients for cardiac imaging influenced your perspective on this initial assessment?
- How has your ability to analyse clinical symptoms and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests evolved since this activity? Can you identify specific instances where the learning from this training activity has informed your decisions in more complex scenarios or when dealing with less clear-cut presentations?
- What transferable skills, such as critical thinking and clinical reasoning, did you develop through this activity that will continue to be valuable in your future role as a healthcare scientist? How will this foundational experience in patient assessment inform your approach to new guidelines or evolving diagnostic strategies?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Appraise new guidelines and evidence to inform practice. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Demonstrate safe practice in line with local, national and international guidelines and standards. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Assess and evaluate a patient’s clinical presentation and make recommendations for cardiac imaging. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Evaluate cardiac care pathways. |