Training activity information
Details
Review evidence base for continuous and serial EEG use in critically ill patients and feedback to colleagues
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.
Considerations
Evidence based practice Quantitative EEG Developments in practice Local, national, international guidelines/consensus statements in EEG practice Service improvements Professional practice Communication skills
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 do you need to know about how to search for and critically evaluate scientific literature and evidence-based guidelines related to continuous and serial EEG in the intensive care unit? What are the key clinical questions surrounding the use of continuous versus serial EEG monitoring in different scenarios in critically ill patients (e.g., seizure detection, prognostication, monitoring sedation)? What do you need to know about the strengths and limitations of the current evidence supporting different EEG monitoring strategies? How will you effectively feedback this information to your colleagues in a clear, concise, and informative manner?
- How do you anticipate improving your critical appraisal skills in evaluating research evidence related to neurophysiology practice? What do you hope to learn about the specific clinical scenarios where continuous EEG monitoring may offer advantages over serial EEG, and vice versa? How do you expect to develop your communication skills in presenting complex evidence to colleagues in a way that is understandable and relevant to their clinical practice?
- Discuss this activity with your training officer to clarify the scope of the review and the expected format of the feedback. Conduct a systematic search of relevant databases and guidelines to gather evidence on continuous and serial EEG use in critically ill patients. Critically evaluate the identified literature, paying attention to study design, methodology, and the strength of the findings. Plan how you will structure your feedback to colleagues, considering the key messages you want to convey and the most effective way to present the information (e.g., presentation, summary document).
In action
- How are you approaching the review of the evidence base regarding the use of continuous and serial EEG in critically ill patients, and how are you planning to feedback this information to your colleagues? Why are you focusing on particular studies or guidelines? What decisions are you making about the key findings from the literature and the most effective way to communicate these to your colleagues? What aspects of evidence appraisal and formulating feedback feel more familiar, and what requires more critical thinking and synthesis of information?
- How effectively are you identifying, evaluating, and synthesising the relevant research on this topic? What challenges are you encountering in critically appraising the evidence, identifying key recommendations, or structuring your feedback in a clear and impactful way? What can you learn about the current evidence base for EEG use in critically ill patients and the process of sharing this knowledge with colleagues as you undertake this activity? How does this review and feedback process connect to your understanding of evidence-based practice and interprofessional communication?
- Are there alternative ways you could present the evidence to your colleagues to promote understanding and discussion (e.g., different formats, highlighting specific clinical scenarios)? What potential questions or differing opinions might arise from your colleagues, and how are you preparing to address them with the evidence you have reviewed? Are you ensuring your feedback is balanced, evidence-based, and relevant to the clinical practice of your colleagues working with critically ill patients?
On action
- Summarise the key findings of the evidence base you reviewed regarding continuous and serial EEG use in critically ill patients. How did you structure your feedback to your colleagues? What were the main points you highlighted in your feedback? What was the response of your colleagues to your feedback?
- What did you learn about the evidence supporting the use of continuous versus serial EEG in critically ill patients? Did you identify any gaps or controversies in the current evidence base? What did you learn about effectively communicating evidence-based practice to colleagues?
- How will you apply your understanding of the evidence base to your clinical decision-making regarding EEG use in critically ill patients? What actions will you take to stay updated on the latest evidence in this area? What ‘next steps’ will you take to further develop your critical appraisal skills?
Beyond action
- Have you continued to review the evidence base for continuous and serial EEG in critically ill patients since this activity? Have you had further discussions with colleagues about the role and utility of these EEG modalities in different clinical scenarios? Has your understanding of the research methodology and the strength of evidence in this area evolved?
- Has your ability to critically appraise research papers related to EEG in critical care improved? Are you more informed about the indications and limitations of continuous and serial EEG monitoring in this patient population? How has your understanding of the evidence base influenced your approach to discussing EEG monitoring strategies with colleagues?
- What skills in evidence-based practice and knowledge dissemination did you develop through this review and feedback activity? How will this experience support your ongoing professional development and your ability to contribute to best practice in neurophysiology?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Demonstrate effective and compassionate communication skills with all stakeholders including patients and the multidisciplinary team. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Appraise the evidence base for EEG use in critically ill patients. |