Module information
Details
- Title
- Major Organs and Cancer
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-CB-S2-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of basic physiology of all the major organ systems and basic tumorigenesis pathway. They will appreciate the importance of clinical and biochemical parameters in diagnosing, assessing the response to treatment and monitoring patients with common major organ diseases and cancers. Trainees will perform specific assays using a range of methods and gain experience of the interpretation of specific biochemical markers relating to major organ diseases and cancers.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Competency
Perform the analyses involved in the detection of major organ disease and cancers to laboratory standard operating procedures to include:
|
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 1,2 |
Competency
Interpret and report on routine biochemical results in the detection of major organ disease and cancers to include:
|
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Competency
Identify cases that require urgent action and offer clinical advice on follow-up and further management To include:
|
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Competency
Interpret and report the results of a CSF xanthochromia scan |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2 |
Competency
Interpret and report further actions required from the results of an EQA report |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Competency
Interpret and report the results of electrophoresis investigation and discuss any required follow-up tests, to include:
and one of the following:
|
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Competency
Interpret and report the results of calculated tests to include:
|
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Competency
Interpret the results of faecal analyses involved in the detection of major organ disease and cancers to laboratory standard operating procedures to include:
|
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 2,3 |
Competency
Interpret tumour marker results to laboratory standard operating procedures to include:
|
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3 |
Competency
Perform the fluid analyses involved in the detection of major organ disease and cancers to laboratory standard operating procedures to include:
|
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Interpret an EQA report for analytes involved in the detection of myocardial infarction, liver disease and prostate cancer.
- Interpret the biochemical results for a patient with renal disease using appropriate gender specific reference ranges and take any appropriate necessary action.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Telephone urgent results to the requesting clinician.
- Present a case where clinical biochemistry results have had an immediate impact on patient care leading to a diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Perform biochemical assays involved in the assessment of major organ function and cancer diagnosis and monitoring. |
| 2 | Analyse and interpret biochemical data generated in the assessment of major organ function and cancer diagnosis and monitoring. |
| 3 | Evaluate the national guidelines for diagnosis and management of diseases associated with the major organ systems and cancer. |
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:
- Evaluate the clinical investigation of fluid, electrolytes and acid base disorders with interpretation of biochemistry results to aid diagnosis/management of patients.
- Explain the pathophysiology of major organs and critically assess how changes in biochemistry aid diagnosis/management of different conditions.
- Apply integrative knowledge of how the analysis of less common analytical bodily fluids can be used as a diagnostic tool in pathological conditions.
- Explain the properties, function and clinical significance of a range of specific proteins in health and disease.
- Demonstrate extended understanding of iron metabolism/homeostasis and discuss how clinical biochemistry can aid diagnosis and management of iron related disorders.
- Evaluate the role clinical biochemistry plays in the screening, diagnosis and treatment of common cancers.
- Critically evaluate the design, operation and performance of the main biochemical techniques used in the assessment and management of major organ diseases.
Indicative content
- Water and electrolytes: Distribution of fluid and electrolytes. Sodium/potassium metabolism/homeostasis, assessment and disorders.
- Acid Base: Hydrogen ion homeostasis, respiratory and renal mechanisms in acid–base balance, and disorders relating to acidosis and alkalosis.
- Renal: Biochemical assessment and investigations of renal function and damage (acute and chronic), renal tubular acidosis, and renal stones.
- Liver: Liver function tests, investigations and disorders.
- Cardiac: Lipid metabolism, disorders and investigations. Cardiac biomarkers (Cardiovascular disease/acute coronary syndrome/heart failure and natriuretic peptides).
- Bone function: Structure and function of bone, calcium/magnesium/phosphate homeostasis and disorders, vitamin D, and metabolic bone disease.
- Formation, sample collection and analysis of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and associated disorders.
- Iron metabolism/homeostasis, disorders and laboratory investigations.
- Haem biosynthesis, metabolism and disorders.
- Plasma Proteins: Synthesis/functions, plasma composition, disorders and analysis. Acute phase response. Paraproteins and monoclonal gammopathies.
- Cancer: Tumour biology, classification, molecular basis of malignancy, biochemical effects of tumour growth, paraneoplastic syndromes, treatment effects, tumour markers, and investigation and screening/diagnosis/monitoring.
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend a multidisciplinary team meeting involving biochemistry to appreciate the role of clinical biochemistry in patient care.
- Attend at least three local clinics to include bone, renal, lipid, liver, gastroenterology, cardiology, oncology clinic to appreciate the impact of Clinical Biochemistry and patient experience of their care.
- Shadow the duty biochemist to appreciate their role.
- Observe the local phlebotomy service.