Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides the student with a higher specialised body of knowledge and practical competency to underpin the specialist practice of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) physiology.

Outline Of Syllabus

Gastrointestinal anatomy, physiology & pathophysiology
Neurophysiology & endocrinology relevant to Gastrointestinal physiology & pathophysiology
Gastrointestinal related laboratory investigations
Pharmacology of relevance to Gastrointestinal disorders
Clinical History taking skills pertinent to patients with Gastrointestinal Disorders
Device design and technology
Intubation technique and complications
Interpretation of Gastrointestinal investigations (including endoanal ultrasound)
Surgical interventions for Gastrointestinal disorders
Conservative treatments for Gastrointestinal disorders (including neuromodulation)
Psychological interventions for Gastrointestinal disorders
Dietary interventions for Gastrointestinal disorders
Paediatric considerations
Associated regulations

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of the module the trainee should be able to:

Critically appraise the key requirements for advanced clinical history taking from patients requiring gastrointestinal system investigations.

Differentiate between lower and upper gastrointestinal conditions and critically appraise the range investigations, surgical and conservative interventions available.

Critically evaluate the range of technologies and techniques used to investigate lower and upper gastrointestinal system disease in complex patients and the role of additional investigations.

Critically evaluate factors that influence confidence in investigation techniques including spectrums of normality and device error ranges, in addition to physiological artefact.

Interpret a range of male and female endoanal ultrasound scans, including normal and abnormal findings and the identification of artefacts.

Classify drugs used to treat gastrointestinal system disorders and differentiate the actions of these agents from other drugs that might confound diagnosis.

Critically appraise the indications, contra-indications and risks associated with advanced gastrointestinal procedures and recognise specific health and safety requirements.

Critically evaluate specific issues related to paediatric gastrointestinal system physiology investigations.

Critically evaluate the need to convey complex scientific information relating to specialist gastrointestinal system investigations to inform multidisciplinary teams of the diagnostic results, conclusions and consequences.

Critically evaluate risk, safe working practices, quality assurance, infection control and benefits of multidisciplinary teams in the context of the investigation of complex lower, upper and paediatric gastrointestinal system disorders.

Intended Skill Outcomes

N/A

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The core knowledge outcomes will be delivered via lecture materials, while the knowledge of the clinical skills will be introduced in small group teaching and through various resources.

The students will go on to use independent study sessions, directed research and reflective activities around their workplace-based practice to develop their clinical and inter-personal skills. This is supported by Canvas VLE.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides an opportunity to assess the students' acquisition of appropriate knowledge and their ability to present that knowledge in a clear written format. The exam also assesses the students' critical understanding of the fundamentals of gastrointestinal physiology.

The written exercise provides further opportunities to assess the students understanding and knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge in a practical and real sense which is relevant to their work place environment.

In order to pass this module candidates must achieve a mark of at least 50% in the written examination.

General Notes

N/A