Imaging (Echocardiography) —
Training activity: 11

Details

Adapt protocol and report to cater for inherited cardiac conditions

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 some common inherited cardiac conditions (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy) and their characteristic echocardiographic features?
• How does the imaging protocol need to be adapted to screen for and assess these conditions, including specific measurements?
• What family history information might be relevant to consider when adapting the protocol and interpreting the findings?
• What key elements should be included in the echo report when focusing on suspected inherited cardiac conditions?

In action

• How are you modifying the standard echo protocol to assess for features suggestive of specific inherited cardiac conditions (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, ARVC)? Which specific views and measurements are you prioritising? How are you planning to structure your report to highlight findings relevant to these conditions? Are you focusing on specific morphological features (e.g., septal thickness, ventricular size, RV outflow tract dimensions)? Are you deciding which additional measurements or views might be necessary based on the clinical suspicion? Are you familiar with the typical echocardiographic presentations of common inherited cardiac conditions? Are you consciously applying specific diagnostic criteria or guidelines?

• Are you successfully acquiring the necessary images to assess for these conditions? Are you encountering any difficulties in visualising or quantifying specific features? Are you gaining a better understanding of the echocardiographic variability within different inherited cardiac conditions? Are you learning to recognise subtle features that might suggest a particular diagnosis? Are you applying your knowledge of the genetics and clinical manifestations of inherited cardiac conditions and their corresponding echocardiographic features?

• Would the use of contrast or strain imaging be particularly helpful in certain inherited conditions? Is there a role for other imaging modalities to complement the echocardiogram? If you are unsure about the interpretation of specific findings or their correlation with a particular inherited condition, would you seek advice? Are the protocol adaptations and the interpretation of findings related to inherited cardiac conditions within the scope of your current training?

On action

• Describe the specific considerations for imaging a patient with a suspected or known inherited cardiac condition. Outline how you adapted the standard echo protocol, including any specific views or measurements taken. Note the key features you focused on in the report.
• Reflect on your understanding of the echocardiographic assessment of inherited cardiac conditions. Did you gain a better understanding of the specific imaging features associated with these conditions? Were there any challenges in adapting the protocol or interpreting the findings? How does this relate to acquiring and interpreting cardiac images for pathological conditions?
• Identify any specific inherited cardiac conditions where you need to enhance your knowledge of imaging protocols and reporting. How will you approach adapting protocols in the future? What resources will you use to further your understanding?

Beyond action

• Have you encountered different inherited cardiac conditions requiring specific adaptations to the echo protocol and reporting (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy)? Have your subsequent experiences expanded your knowledge of the echocardiographic features of these conditions?
• How has your ability to tailor echo protocols to identify the specific morphological and functional abnormalities associated with inherited cardiac conditions improved? Are you now more proficient in including relevant measurements and qualitative assessments in your reports for these patients?
• How will your understanding of echocardiography in inherited cardiac conditions inform your role in family screening and risk stratification? How will this experience support your ability to contribute to the diagnosis and management of these complex conditions?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 1	Outcome Acquire and interpret cardiac images for a range of normal and pathological conditions.
# 2	Outcome Explain imaging results to patients and other health care professionals.
# 3	Outcome Distinguish and justify actions based on clinical and ECG findings.
# 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.
# 9	Outcome Summarise complex information into a concise and logical reports for specialist and non-specialist audiences.