Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will provide trainees with underpinning knowledge of basic respiratory and sleep physiology. We will explore clinical lung function testing and interpretation of these physiological measurements, using the results to differentiate between health and disease. We will explore sleep investigations, providing knowledge of sleep disordered breathing, alongside exploration of other neurological sleep disorders. The role of research will be incorporated, underpinning some vital current respiratory research and its implementation into clinical practice. Also highlighting the role of a clinical scientist in a multidisciplinary team.

Outline Of Syllabus

Normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory and sleep systems

Respiratory mechanics, structure and function of the lungs and control of breathing

Practical lung function testing- spirometry, static lung volumes and transfer factor of carbon monoxide

Respiratory pathophysiology of intrathoracic restrictive lung disease such as ILD

Respiratory pathophysiology of extra-thoracic restrictive lung disease such as chest wall deformities, obesity or neuromuscular disorders

Respiratory pathophysiology of obstructive lung disease such as COPD and asthma

Respiratory and neurological sleep disorders

Measurement in sleep studies
Interpretation of lung function tests- reference values, normality and guidelines to identify normal, obstructive or restrictive results

The respiratory scientist and their role in a multi-disciplinary team incorporating both primary, secondary and community care

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module the students should have:

1)       An integrative understanding of the anatomy of the respiratory system, this will include structure and function and the control of breathing

2)       The ability to critically examine the diversity of respiratory and sleep disorders that result in referral to the service, this includes the pathophysiology of common lung and sleep disorders and presenting signs and symptoms

3)       An understanding of the range of respiratory and sleep science diagnostic techniques used to diagnose, monitor and manage disorders of respiration and sleep.

4)       The ability to refer to reference values to determine normality of testing results, making suggestions for pathophysiology and using guidelines to assess disease severity.

5)       The knowledge to critically evaluate the measurement principles of the techniques used to assess full lung function tests and monitor sleep, recognizing the limitations of the equipment and the techniques used.

1)       The ability to critically discuss how respiratory and sleep diagnostic techniques are used in a variety of care settings and how they interact with other disciplines

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module the students should be able to:

1) Apply independently the scientific principles of respiratory and sleep sciences.

2) Interpret standard lung function test results.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The fundamental understanding of respiratory physiology and sleep is imparted to students predominately in the
initial six week face-to-face study period through a mix of lectures, small group teaching, field visits and tutorials.

Lecture sessions are used to establish a learning framework for the development of understanding, to explain
complex concepts and provide early insights into the relationships between theory and clinical/laboratory practice.

Small group teaching sessions are used to provide opportunities for interaction, discussion and clarification to support learning in selected areas.

Tutorials are used to develop individual and collective understanding and to plan for practical tasks.

Field visits/lab work are used to provide students with practical and 'hands on' experience of the typical equipment alongside an introduction to the processes and procedures they will use in the workplace thereby familiarising the students with the practices involved in routine investigations.

A practical understanding of the role of respiratory and sleep science in relation to other scientific disciplines and healthcare roles will be covered in the lectures and then further developed through the student led reflective activities.

Student led activities will include elements such as case based discussions; students will be provided with cases and will work collectively and individually through these, exploring best practice, providing solutions etc. Cases will vary in their scope and length but are designed to frame their professional understanding to include other healthcare scientists and healthcare professionals.

Problem orientated learning opportunities embedded in the VLE will enable students to continue to develop problem solving, critical reasoning and clinical decision making skills through evidence based activities which will develop their critical understanding of approximate cardiac investigations and procedures.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQ exam (single best answer style questions) will test the students' scientific knowledge and also their ability to apply that knowledge effectively and appropriately to the clinical setting and consequently demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the module material. This is particularly important as the students will be based in a hospital / laboratory setting during their work placements.

The written exercise is used to assess the critical thinking skills, understanding and application of the knowledge developed through the course of study and the students ability to apply this knowledge to real life problems and service development as detailed in the programme aims.

General Notes

N/A