Back Module: S-OV-S1

Electrophysiology

Module information

Module details

Title
Electrophysiology
Type
Specialist
Module code
S-OV-S1
Credits
10
Phase
2
Requirement
Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module aims to give trainees a basis of understanding and basic skills to perform the most common electrophysiological tests used in an ophthalmic and vision science setting.

Work-based content

Training activities

# Learning outcome Training activity Type Action
# 1 Learning outcome 2,7 Training activities

Prepare patients and the environment for testing

 Type ETA Action View
# 2 Learning outcome 2,6,7 Training activities

Perform electrode placement for:

  • VEP
  • Retinal testing (PERG, ERG)
  • EOG
 Type ETA Action View
# 3 Learning outcome 3 Training activities

Perform electrophysiology recordings on patients and troubleshoot for the following artefacts:

  • Alpha
  • Electrode
  • Muscle
  • Extraneous and stimulus
 Type ETA Action View
# 4 Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,7 Training activities

Perform a range of electrophysiology tests and make recommendations for further testing to include:

  • PERG
  • VEP
  • ERG
  • EOG
 Type ETA Action View
# 5 Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 Training activities

Prepare and assist in paediatric patient electrophysiological tests focusing on the child facing role

 Type ETA Action View
# 6 Learning outcome 1,4,5,7 Training activities

Prepare data for reporting for

  • PERG
  • VEP
  • ERG
  • EOG
 Type ETA Action View
# 7 Learning outcome 1,4,5,7 Training activities

Draft a technical report, identifying potential sites of dysfunction

 Type DTA Action View
# 8 Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,7 Training activities

Perform diagnostic tests on patients for common conditions including:

  • Maculopathy
  • Optic neuropathy
  • Retinopathy
 Type DTA Action View
# 9 Learning outcome 3,4,5 Training activities

Review patients imaging and electrophysiology results and present to colleagues

 Type DTA Action View
# 10 Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 Training activities

Assist in the performance of diagnostic tests for patients presenting with complex needs including four of the following:

  • Epilepsy
  • Language barriers
  • Dementia
  • Hearing impairment
  • Learning disabilities
  • Mental health
  • Motor impairment
  • Physical disabilities
  • Visual impairment
 Type DTA Action View

Assessments

Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions

Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs

Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles

  • Triage referrals for a diagnostic test with supervisor.
  • Set up equipment and perform a VEP test on a patient.
  • Set up equipment and perform an ERG test on a patient.

Observed Clinical Event Titles

  • Take a patient history.
  • Explain the test and what to expect to parent/guardian and child.
  • Explain the test to a patient with complex needs.
  • Debrief patient and explain what happens next after test.

Learning outcomes

# Learning outcome
1

Demonstrate a critical understanding of electrophysiological tests used in the diagnosis of visual disorders.
2

Prepare and set up the test environment and patient for different electrophysiological tests.
3

Perform recordings of the electrophysiological tests and perform basic troubleshooting.
4

Prepare data obtained for reporting, including correct annotation of waveforms and indications of factors that may alter the ability to reliably report data.
5

Identify and differentiate normal and abnormal waveforms produced during testing.
6

Evaluate and incorporate local and ISCEV standards in practice.
7

Employ effective communication with a range of individuals including the patient and the multidisciplinary team.

Clinical experiences

Clinical experiences help you to develop insight into your practice and a greater understanding of your specialty's impact on patient care. Clinical experiences should be included in your training plan and you may be asked to help organise your experiences. Reflections and observations from your experiences may help you to advance your practice and can be used to develop evidence to demonstrate your awareness and appreciation of your specialty.

Activities

  1. Attend and observe an ophthalmology clinic where patients receive electrophysiology results.
  2. Attend a specialist multidisciplinary team meeting.
  3. Attend a healthcare science national meeting.
  4. Attend an ECLO clinic/low vision support clinic.
  5. Attend a patient experience event/session e.g. patients sharing care experience, public and patient involvement event or patient advisory groups.

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:

  1. Critically analyse the pathophysiology relating to each element of the waveforms derived from electrophysiological testing techniques.
  2. Critically analyse the waveforms from the different electophysiology techniques.
  3. Effectively communicate to a patient how the waveform relates to retinal pathology.

Indicative content

  • Anatomy and physiology of the visual system and how this relates to electrophysiology (understand what the test is measuring (e.g. optic nerve, macula or retina)
  • Test types and ranges for the different electrophysiology techniques such as PERG, ERG, EOG or VEP
  • Basic electronics – rejection ratios, filters, amplifiers etc
  • Principles of fit – waveforms etc
  • Data models and optimisation
  • Electrode placement systems eg 10-20
  • Patient history taking – techniques and appropriate questions, reflecting on how they should be tailored based on the patients age and environment
  • Communication – explaining the tests to a patient and the ‘piece of the puzzle’ the test fills alongside the other testing they are undergoing to inform the consultant
  • Use communication skills between child and parent/guardian and understand what to expect from testing an infant
  • Testing in different ages group and patient groups e.g. in patients with dementia
  • Common ophthalmic conditions and how they impact electrophysiological waveforms

Module assigned to

Specialties

Specialty code Specialty title Action
Specialty code SPS2-2-22 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2022] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-2-23 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2023] Action View
Specialty code SPS2-2-24 Specialty title Ophthalmic & Vision Science [2024] Action View
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