Training activity information
Details
Prepare patient and perform an EEG recording in adults 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
- Ensure you have a thorough understanding of the EEG machine operation, electrode placement according to the 10-20 system, and relevant safety procedures for adult patients in the intensive care setting. What do you need to know about the specific modifications that might be required for EEG recording in patients with hypoxic brain injury, status epilepticus, altered mental state, subarachnoid haemorrhage, encephalitis, and traumatic brain injury? What level of communication will be required with the patient (if conscious), their family, and other healthcare professionals, and what information do you need to have readily available?
- What skills or knowledge do you specifically want to develop or demonstrate during the preparation and recording process? What specific practical skills do you hope to develop or refine in preparing adult patients for EEG in critical care, such as skin preparation and electrode application in challenging circumstances? How do you anticipate improving your ability to adapt the EEG recording technique based on the patient’s condition and response? What challenges do you foresee during the preparation and recording process, such as managing artefacts or ensuring patient comfort and safety, and how do you plan to learn from these challenges?
- Discuss the specific patient and the planned EEG recording with your training officer to understand any specific instructions or precautions. Review the patient’s medical history and current status, paying attention to factors that might affect the EEG recording or require specific modifications. Mentally rehearse the steps involved in preparing the patient and performing the EEG, including equipment checks and safety procedures. Consider how you will communicate with the patient (if possible) and ensure their dignity is maintained throughout the procedure.
In action
- How are you approaching the preparation of the adult patient and the execution of the EEG recording for the specific condition you are addressing? Why are you performing these steps in this particular way? What decisions are you making in real-time as you interact with the patient and operate the EEG equipment? What aspects of patient preparation and EEG recording feel intuitive based on your experience, and what requires more conscious attention and adherence to protocols?
- How effective do you feel your preparation and recording techniques are in obtaining a high-quality EEG signal for this patient? What challenges are you facing during the preparation (e.g., patient cooperation, positioning) or the recording (e.g., artefact, technical issues)? What can you learn about performing adult EEG in these critical care conditions as the recording unfolds? How does this experience connect to your existing skills in patient interaction and EEG acquisition?
- Are there alternative approaches you could consider if the initial preparation or recording is not going as planned (e.g., different electrode placement, troubleshooting equipment)? What immediate support or guidance might you need from colleagues if you encounter unexpected difficulties during the EEG? Are you ensuring patient safety, comfort, and dignity throughout the EEG procedure, adapting your approach as needed based on their condition?
On action
- Describe the key stages of preparing the adult patient and performing the EEG recording for the specific condition you encountered. What were your observations regarding the patient’s state and their response to the procedure? What aspects of the procedure felt intuitive, and which required more conscious effort? Did you need to make any adjustments or adaptations during the recording?
- What did you learn about the practical aspects of performing EEG recordings in adults with these conditions? Did you encounter any unexpected challenges or successes during the activity? What did you learn from these? How did your reflection-in-action (during the activity) influence how the recording unfolded? How does this experience relate to the requirements for post-programme practice?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in your practical EEG recording skills for adult patients with these conditions? How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice? What actions will you now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned? What support or resources might you need to further develop your practical EEG skills?
Beyond action
- Have you since performed EEG recordings on adult patients with any of these conditions? Have you compared your experiences of performing the EEG with your initial plans and preparations from training activity 1? Where were there consistencies and where were adjustments needed? Have you discussed challenging cases or aspects of these recordings with your training officer or other experienced professionals?
- How has actually performing these EEG recordings shaped your understanding of the practical considerations and potential difficulties involved? Have you noticed improvements in your technical skills, patient interaction, or ability to adapt the procedure based on the patient’s condition since this DTA? How has this practical experience influenced your interpretation of EEG findings in similar adult patients?
- What key lessons about performing adult EEG recordings in these critical care settings will you carry forward to future cases? What areas for further development in your EEG recording technique or patient management were highlighted by this experience?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Identify features of normal and abnormal adult and paediatric EEGs within the intensive care setting. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Prepare patients and environments for testing, maintaining safety and patient dignity. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Perform EEG recordings in an intensive care setting, with modifications depending on the nature of the patient, including sequential activation procedures, maintaining patient safety. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Demonstrate effective and compassionate communication skills with all stakeholders including patients and the multidisciplinary team. |