Competency: 3

Details

Prepare for nerve conduction studies including the environment, equipment and patient

Considerations

• Local standard operating procedure (SOP) for peripheral nerve conduction studies
• Clinical indications and contraindications for nerve conduction studies in the range of conditions of patients referred for nerve conduction studies
• The referral system for EMG and nerve conduction studies
• The range and types of information required and its importance
• How to check for validity of information
• Appropriate action to be taken in the event of missing or invalid information
• Types of nerve conduction study, their purpose and the appropriateness for conditions presented
• How to assess whether investigations requested are appropriate to clinical question and the reason for referral
• Potential special needs of the patients
• Possible patient needs and environmental needs
• Factors that may influence the duration and quality of 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
• How to establish and maintain effective communication with the patient, including explaining the test in a manner that will ensure cooperation
• The importance of checking there is adequate storage volume for the investigation to be performed
• The effects of sensitivity, time base, filters, signal to noise (S:N) ratio
• The range of electrodes and stimulators used in nerve conduction recordings
• Factors of key importance to patient history
• How to record information and check for validity

Relevant learning outcomes