Training activity information

Details

Plan and prepare to conduct EEG recording in children for three of 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 these conditions in children, which may differ from adult patterns? What do you need to know about the specific practical considerations for performing EEG in children in an intensive care setting, such as age-appropriate communication, electrode application, and safety measures? What information do you need about the child’s clinical history, developmental stage, and current condition to plan the EEG recording effectively? Are there any specific protocols or guidelines for paediatric EEG in critical care that you need to review?
  • What specific insights do you hope to gain regarding the process of planning an EEG for children with these critical conditions? How do you anticipate developing your understanding of how to adapt the EEG plan based on the child’s age and specific neurological condition? What challenges do you anticipate in the planning process for paediatric EEG, and what do you hope to learn about addressing these challenges?
  • Discuss this training activity with your training officer, specifically focusing on any paediatric-specific aspects of EEG planning. Review relevant literature, guidelines, and protocols related to paediatric EEG in critical care, paying attention to developmental considerations. Consider possible challenges you might face when planning for paediatric patients, such as communicating with parents or selecting appropriate equipment, and how you might handle them. Reflect on your current level of confidence in planning paediatric EEG and identify any areas where you need to seek further information or support before starting.

In action

  • How are you approaching the planning and preparation for paediatric EEG recordings for your chosen three conditions? Why are you selecting these specific preparation methods for children? What decisions are you making about adapting standard EEG protocols for the paediatric population and the chosen conditions? What aspects of planning for paediatric EEG feel more natural, and what requires more deliberate thought and consideration of age-specific factors?
  • How effective do you feel your planning is in addressing the unique challenges of paediatric EEG for these critical conditions? What difficulties are you encountering during this planning, such as considering appropriate sedation or engaging with caregivers? What can you learn about preparing for paediatric EEG in the intensive care setting as you work through this activity? How does this planning connect with your prior knowledge of paediatric EEG and the specific chosen conditions?
  • Are there alternative planning strategies you could consider that might be more suitable for different age groups within the paediatric population? What support or resources might be beneficial in ensuring comprehensive and age-appropriate preparation for these paediatric EEG recordings? Are you considering how to maintain patient dignity and safety while adapting the EEG procedure for children in intensive care?

On action

  • Summarise the key aspects of planning and preparing for EEG recording in children for the three conditions you selected. What were the main differences in your approach compared to planning for adult EEG recordings? What specific considerations did you make regarding the paediatric population? What challenges did you encounter or anticipate during this planning phase?
  • What did you learn about the specific requirements and potential modifications needed for EEG recording in children with the chosen conditions? Did you gain insights into the differences in EEG patterns or clinical presentations in children compared to adults for these conditions? What did you learn about adapting procedures for different patient groups? How did your existing knowledge about these conditions in children inform your planning?
  • What areas for further development have you identified in planning and preparing for paediatric EEG recordings? How will you incorporate this learning into your future practice with paediatric patients requiring EEG? What resources or further training would be beneficial for enhancing your skills in this area? What ‘next steps’ will you take to learn more about paediatric EEG in these specific conditions?

Beyond action

  • Have you since planned and prepared for paediatric EEG recordings for any of the listed conditions? Have you compared your approach to planning for paediatric cases with your approach for adult cases? What similarities and differences have you noticed? Have you discussed the specific considerations for paediatric EEG preparation with colleagues who have more experience in this area?
  • Has your understanding of the additional complexities involved in preparing children for EEG (e.g., communication with parents/carers, age-appropriate explanations) deepened since this activity? How has this experience influenced your confidence in planning for various paediatric neurophysiology investigations? Have you applied any lessons learned from this preparation activity to other situations involving paediatric patients or their families?
  • What transferable skills related to paediatric care (e.g., communication, sensitivity, adapting procedures) did you develop through this activity? What further learning or resources would support your continued development in planning and preparing for paediatric EEG recordings?

Relevant learning outcomes

# Outcome
# 2 Outcome

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