Competency: 10

Details

Plan and prepare for evoked potentials (visual, auditory and somatosensory)

Considerations

• The range of conditions of patients referred for clinical neurophysiology testing
• The referral system for multimodality evoked potentials
• The range and types of information required and its importance
• Checking for validity of information
• Appropriate action to be taken in the event of missing or invalid information
• Types of evoked potentials, their purpose and the appropriateness for conditions presented
• Assessment of appropriateness of investigation requested with respect to the clinical question and referral
• Potential special needs of the patients
• Possible patient needs and environmental needs
• Factors that may influence the duration and quality of investigations
• Contraindications to investigations
• Safe and correct operation of the equipment to be used, including all peripheral devices
• The importance of confirming the patient’s identity from the referral document and correct entry on the recording system
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the patient, including explaining the test in a manner that will ensure co- operation
• The importance of checking there is adequate storage volume for the investigation to be performed
• The effects of sensitivity, timebase, filters, Common Mode Rejection Ratio, S:N averaging
• The range of electrodes and stimulators used in evoked potential recordings
• Factors of key importance to patient history
• Recording information and checking for validity
• Visual acuity, auditory and somatosensory thresholds

Relevant learning outcomes