Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Electrocardiogram
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-CS-R2
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module aims to develop the trainees’ knowledge and appreciation of the use of the electrocardiogram (ECG), a fundamental to practice as a Clinical Scientist in Cardiac Science.
Work-based content
Training activities
| # | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting where healthcare professionals interpret ECG rhythm strips for a patient in any of the following settings:
|
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow a Consultant Cardiologist interpreting a 12-lead ECG recording for a patient in an outpatient cardiology (arrhythmia/palpitations) clinic and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe the recording of an ECG on a patient presenting with challenging behaviours e.g., dementia, confusion, agitation, age etc, and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review a guideline on electrocardiographic interpretation used in the department and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe how a 12-lead ECG recording is modified to enhance the clinical information provided from a recording and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow the patient pathway for an ambulatory ECG recording pathway and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow a healthcare professional operating ambulatory analysis hardware/software to review an ambulatory ECG recording and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe a Clinical Scientist editing data acquired during an ambulatory ECG recording and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a clinic with a cardiology setting where findings from an ambulatory ECG recording are used to inform the clinical management of a patient and reflect on the clinic |
Type OTA | Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore the use of innovative technology and self-monitoring in the investigation of patients with palpitations and reflect on the impact this will have on practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Apply an infection control protocol for the ECG.
- Prepare a patient for and perform a 12 lead ECG.
- Analyse an ambulatory ECG recording.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Present a patient history relevant to the specialty to a member of the multidisciplinary team.
- Advise how to improve upon a 12-lead ECG recording with artefact or incorrect lead placement.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the contribution of ECG to patient care. |
| 2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary teams working with ECGs. |
| 3 | Describe the working practices of multidisciplinary teams working with ECGs. |
| 4 | Examine the impact of innovation in ECG practice. |
| 5 | Review the effect of legislation on ECG practice. |
| 6 | Compare and contrast the practice and application of ECG across specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Apply a structured approach to the interpretation of ECG recordings to inform appropriate clinical management.
- Identify sources of error and artefact that impact upon ECG reporting to mitigate against inappropriate management of a patient following ECG recording.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of situations where adaptation of standard ECG recording techniques should be adopted to optimise the recording of information and inform appropriate clinical management.
- Critically evaluate devices for a long term ECG recording to capture the potential cardiac source of a patient’s symptoms.
Indicative content
- Lead systems
- Normal features and basic measurements
- Artefact and error
- Normal variations of the ECG (age, state of activity, habitus, ethnic origin and athletic training)
- Rhythms arising from the sinus node
- Supraventricular arrhythmias
- Bradyarrhythmias and conduction abnormalities
- Rhythms arising from the ventricles
- The ECG associated with an artificial cardiac pacemaker
- ECG features of abnormal cardiac conditions (including, myocardial ischaemia and infarction, hypertrophy, atrial abnormalities, pericarditis, myocarditis, dextrocardia, massive pulmonary embolism, cardiomyopathies, pre-excitation and septal defects)
- ECG features of abnormal metabolic, endocrine and electrolyte states
- ECG features associated with drug administration
- ECG features of ion ‘channelopathies’
- ECG features associated with cerebrovascular, neuromuscular and neurological conditions
- Ambulatory recording devices and analysis equipment.