Training activity information
Details
Discuss results of an adapted protocol for valve interventions with a patient/other healthcare professional
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 expected echocardiographic findings following different types of valve interventions?
- How will you explain the outcome of the intervention, based on the echo, to the patient?
- What information would be important to communicate to the interventional cardiologist or surgeon regarding the procedural outcome?
- How will you address the patient’s expectations and any potential complications observed on the echocardiogram?
In action
- How are you structuring the discussion? What key echocardiographic findings related to the valve intervention (e.g., well-functioning prosthetic valve, presence of mild paravalvular leak, residual stenosis) are you highlighting? How are you explaining the clinical significance of these findings? Who is your audience, and how is that influencing your communication? Are you tailoring your explanation based on the type of valve intervention performed and the listener’s understanding? Are you deciding how to explain technical terms like paravalvular leak in an accessible way for a patient? Are you comfortable discussing the echocardiographic assessment of valve interventions? Are you consciously using appropriate terminology and adjusting the level of detail for patients versus healthcare professionals?
- Do you feel you are effectively communicating the results of the echocardiographic assessment of the valve intervention? Are the questions being asked relevant to the information you have provided? Are you observing effective strategies for explaining the outcomes of valve interventions? Are you learning how to address patient concerns related to the function of their replaced or repaired valve? Are you drawing upon your understanding of different valve interventions, their expected echocardiographic appearances, potential complications, and your communication skills?
- Could you use diagrams of the implanted valve or the repair technique to aid your explanation? Are there patient support groups or resources for individuals who have undergone valve interventions? If questions arise about specific medical or surgical management based on the echocardiographic findings that are beyond your current expertise, would you seek guidance? Are the explanations and discussions you are having appropriate for your level of training, particularly regarding the clinical management of patients post-valve intervention?
On action
- Summarise the key echocardiographic findings related to the valve intervention from the adapted protocol. Describe how you communicated these results to the patient and/or other healthcare professional. Note their reactions and any questions they had.
- Reflect on your ability to explain echocardiographic findings related to valve interventions to different audiences. Were you able to tailor your explanation appropriately? Were there any challenges in conveying the clinical significance of the findings? How does this relate to explaining imaging results?
- Identify any areas where you can improve your communication skills when discussing findings related to valve interventions. How will you ensure you provide clear and relevant information to both patients and healthcare professionals in the future?
Beyond action
- Have you discussed echo findings related to valve interventions with patients and the interventional cardiology team? How have you explained the outcomes and any potential complications?
- How has your ability to explain the echocardiographic assessment of valve interventions to both patients and other healthcare professionals improved? Are you more confident in discussing the functional outcomes and potential issues related to prosthetic valves?
- How will your communication skills in this area support your participation in the multidisciplinary team involved in valve interventions? What did you learn about effectively conveying the technical aspects and clinical significance of echocardiographic findings in this context?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 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. |