Module information
Details
- Title
- Electrophysiology
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-OV-S1-2
- Credits
- 10
- 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
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 2,7 |
Competency
Prepare patients and the environment for testing |
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2,6,7 |
Competency
Perform electrode placement for:
|
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 3 |
Competency
Perform electrophysiology recordings on patients and troubleshoot for the following artefacts:
|
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,7 |
Competency
Perform a range of electrophysiology tests and make recommendations for further testing to include:
|
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 |
Competency
Prepare and assist in paediatric patient electrophysiological tests focusing on the child facing role |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 1,4,5,7 |
Competency
Prepare data for reporting for
|
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 1,4,5,7 |
Competency
Draft a technical report, identifying potential sites of dysfunction |
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,4,5,7 |
Competency
Perform diagnostic tests on patients for common conditions including:
|
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 3,4,5 |
Competency
Review patients imaging and electrophysiology results and present to colleagues |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 2,3,6,7 |
Competency
Assist in the performance of diagnostic tests for patients presenting with complex needs including four of the following:
|
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. |
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:
- Critically analyse the pathophysiology relating to each element of the waveforms derived from electrophysiological testing techniques.
- Critically analyse the waveforms from the different electophysiology techniques.
- 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
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 and observe an ophthalmology clinic where patients receive electrophysiology results.
- Attend a specialist multidisciplinary team meeting.
- Attend a healthcare science national meeting.
- Attend an ECLO clinic/low vision support clinic.
- Attend a patient experience event/session e.g. patients sharing care experience, public and patient involvement event or patient advisory groups.