EEG in the Intensive Care Setting —
Training activity: 1

Details

Plan and prepare to conduct an EEG recording in adults for the following conditions: Hypoxic brain injury Status epilepticus Altered mental state of unexplained cause Subarachnoid haemorrhage Encephalitis Traumatic brain injury

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

• What prior knowledge do you need regarding the EEG patterns associated with hypoxic brain injury, status epilepticus, altered mental state of unexplained cause, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis, and traumatic brain injury? What do you need to know about the practical considerations for performing EEG in adults in an intensive care setting, such as infection control, electrical safety, and patient safety? What information do you need about the patient’s clinical history and current condition to effectively plan the EEG recording? Are there any specific protocols or guidelines you need to be aware of before planning this activity?
• What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the process of planning an EEG for adults with these critical conditions? How do you anticipate developing your understanding of how to tailor the EEG setup and considerations based on the specific neurological condition? What challenges do you anticipate in the planning process, and what do you hope to learn about overcoming these challenges?
• Discuss this training activity with your training officer to gain a clear understanding of the expectations and any specific requirements. Review relevant literature, guidelines, and protocols related to EEG in adults with these conditions and in the intensive care setting. Consider possible challenges you might face during the actual planning and preparation, such as accessing patient information or understanding specific clinical details, and think about how you might handle them. Identify how you feel about embarking on this planning activity. Are there any areas where you feel less confident, and how can you address these before starting?

In action

• How are you approaching the planning and preparation for EEG recordings in adults for these specific conditions? Why are you choosing these particular strategies for each condition? What decisions are you making as you plan, such as the specific protocols or considerations for each condition? What aspects of your planning feel intuitive, based on your current knowledge, and what requires more conscious effort and referencing of guidelines or resources?
• How effective do you feel your current planning is in addressing the diverse needs presented by these conditions? What challenges are you facing during this planning phase, such as understanding specific requirements for certain conditions or anticipating potential issues? What can you learn about EEG preparation for adults in critical care settings as this planning unfolds? How does this planning activity connect to your existing understanding of EEG principles and procedures?
• Are there alternative planning approaches you could be considering, perhaps based on different resources or prior experiences? What support or guidance might you need from your training officer or colleagues as you navigate the planning for these varied conditions? Are you ensuring your planned approach aligns with safety guidelines and best practices for adult EEG in the intensive care setting?

On action

• Summarise the key points of the planning and preparation process for conducting an EEG recording in adults for the listed conditions. What resources or guidelines did you consult during your preparation? What specific considerations did you make for each of the different conditions? What challenges did you anticipate during the planning stage?
• What did you learn about the specific requirements for EEG recording in adults with hypoxic brain injury, status epilepticus, altered mental state, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis, and traumatic brain injury? Did you identify any gaps in your knowledge or understanding during the planning phase?
• What areas for continued development have been identified in your planning and preparation skills for EEG recordings in these conditions? How will you apply what you have learned to future planning and preparation for similar training activities or experiences? What ‘next steps’ will you take to further your understanding in these areas? What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in planning and preparing for these types of EEG recordings?

Beyond action

• Have you had the opportunity to plan and prepare for adult EEG recordings for any of the conditions listed since the original DTA? Have you reviewed your initial plans and preparation strategies in light of subsequent experiences with similar cases or new learning about these conditions? Have you discussed your approach to planning and preparation for these conditions with peers or colleagues, and has this changed your perspective?
• How has your understanding of the specific considerations for planning adult EEG recordings in these conditions evolved since this DTA? Have the skills developed during this planning and preparation activity (e.g., reviewing protocols, considering patient history) been applied to other aspects of your practice, such as preparing for other types of investigations or patient interactions? How has the knowledge gained from this activity influenced your ability to anticipate potential challenges during actual EEG recordings in adults with these conditions?
• What transferable skills (e.g., organisation, critical thinking, information gathering) did you develop through this planning activity that will be valuable in future training activities and experiences or your broader professional role? What clear actions for continued development in planning and preparing for adult EEG recordings in these specific conditions have emerged from revisiting this experience?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 2	Outcome Prepare patients and environments for testing, maintaining safety and patient dignity.