Training activity information
Details
Discuss results of a normal echo with a patient
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 key findings that constitute a ‘normal’ echocardiogram?
- How will you explain the technical aspects of an echocardiogram in a way that is understandable to a patient?
- What are some common questions or concerns a patient might have about a normal echo result?
- How will you ensure effective communication and address any potential anxieties?
In action
- How are you structuring the discussion with the patient? What information are you prioritising? What language are you using to explain the results? Are you adapting your explanation based on the patient’s reactions and questions? Are you deciding when to pause for questions or offer further clarification? Are you comfortable explaining normal findings? Are you consciously trying to use clear and accessible language?
- Do you feel the patient is understanding the information you are conveying? Are they asking questions that indicate comprehension or confusion? Are you noticing how the patient responds to different ways of explaining the information? Are you learning how to gauge their level of understanding? Are you drawing on your communication skills and your understanding of normal echocardiographic findings?
- Could you use visual aids or different analogies to explain the results more effectively? If the patient is having difficulty understanding or is expressing unexpected concerns, would you seek advice from a supervisor? Are you providing explanations within the bounds of your training, or are you venturing into areas that require more senior expertise?
On action
- Summarise the key findings of the normal echo and the patient’s reaction to the discussion of these results. What communication strategies did you employ?
- Reflect on your ability to explain normal echocardiography findings to a patient in a clear and understandable way. Were there any questions or concerns raised by the patient? How did you address these? What did you learn about patient communication in the context of cardiac imaging?
- Identify any areas where you can improve your communication skills when discussing normal echo results with patients. How will you ensure you address potential patient anxieties effectively in the future?
Beyond action
- Have you had subsequent opportunities to discuss normal echo results with patients? How does your current approach compare to your initial experience in this training activity? Have you reflected on whether your communication was clear and addressed potential patient anxieties effectively in this and later similar situations?
- How has your confidence and ability to communicate technical information about cardiac imaging in an accessible way improved? Have you applied the communication skills learned in this training activity to other patient interactions or when explaining different types of imaging results?
- How will your learning about patient communication in this context help you in more sensitive or complex discussions with patients and their families in the future? What did you learn about setting patient expectations and addressing potential misunderstandings that will be valuable as your responsibilities increase?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Explain imaging results to patients and other health care professionals. |
| # 8 |
Outcome
Evaluate cardiac care pathways. |