• Offered for Year: 2024/25

• Module Leader(s): Dr Saeed Ahmed
• Co-Module Leader: Dr Rauri Clark, Dr James Andrews
• Lecturer: Dr Sarah McCloskey, Dr Shalabh Srivastava

• Owning School: School of Medical Education
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

This module provides students with the underpinning theoretical knowledge required to perform two key techniques within the field of interventional nephrology. Understanding the theory belying renal biopsy and peritoneal dialysis procedures will enhance practical performance of these techniques and enable successful trouble-shooting where necessary. Students will be well placed to both deliver these techniques and undertake clinical audit of their practice.

Outline Of Syllabus

RENAL BIOPSY


Anatomy of the kidney and especially its relationship with the surrounding structures and vasculature.


Indications for renal biopsy:

A knowledge of the disease process underlying the decision to perform a renal biopsy.

Understanding that renal biopsy is part of the work up in the diagnostic journey of the patient.

Basic understanding of the emerging role of genetics in diagnosis, reducing need for renal biopsy.


Procedure:

Understanding the risks related to the renal biopsy and explaining it to the patient in seeking their consent for it.


Renal biopsy equipment:

Biopsy needles, light microscope, and ultrasound.


Renal biopsy sample handling:

Handling of the biopsy sample, transfer to the lab and processing in the lab.


Basic Pathology:

Histopathologic diagnosis, staining, microscopes, and limitations of tissue diagnosis


Audit and Research:

Exploring audit and research topics in renal biopsy. Audit of practice in own institutions to run a high quality and high performing service.


PERITONEAL DIALYSIS ACCESS


Indications and patient selection for peritoneal dialysis

Anatomy of the abdomen in relation to the procedure

Layers of the abdominal wall, anatomy of the peritoneum, vasculature, relationship of the urinary bladder and bowel to the location of the dialysis catheter.

Process of consent and understanding risks related to the procedure


Procedure of performing peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion:

Theoretical basis of peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion to support the practical aspect of this course.

Landmark method, US guided method and fluoroscopy aided peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. Theory of laparoscopic insertion.


Pre and Post procedure care:

Patient preparation leading up to the catheter insertion. Post procedure care including nursing and bowel care.


Complications and long-term implications:

Injury to the intra-abdominal viscera and vasculature. Long term implications on catheter survival and effects of recurrent peritonitis on the membrane performance.


Audit and research related to peritoneal dialysis catheter

Exploring audit and research topics in peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion. Audit of practice in own institutions to run a high quality and high performing service.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Within workshop sessions, teaching sessions will explain concepts and develop theoretical knowledge regarding the techniques and application of renal biopsy procedures and use of peritoneal dialysis as relevant to the specialism of interventional nephrology [LO 1-7].

Workshops are also used to provide opportunity for interaction, discussions and clarification to support learning in selected areas based on case study examples [LO 2,3,6,7]. Formative practice is embedded into workshop sessions, through the answering of single best answer questions of the same style to those used in the summative assessment and consideration, selection and preparation of case study material for workshop group discussion.

Surgery sessions will promote student engagement in their learning and will provide them with the opportunity to come together as a group to discuss taught and clinical issues around the subject area of the module. Q & A sessions will allow students to discuss issues around their learning and seek advice from the programme team.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Other Assessment

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQ Single Best Answer style question examination provides an opportunity to assess the students acquisition of appropriate knowledge regarding the application of renal biopsy and peritoneal dialysis in relation to interventional nephrology. Elements of this computer based examination will require the consideration and interpretation of clinical data provided in a style commensurate with that seen in a clinical setting.

The oral presentation will focus on aspects of quality improvement and will enable students to consider how knowledge acquired during this taught module can be applied in their workplace environment with a view to enhancing the quality of patient care. The assessment tests students' knowledge and understanding of the module and also feeds formatively into the case study assessment in MED8302.

In order to pass the module, students must achieve a mark of 50% or above in both the digital examination and oral presentation and achieve an overall mark of 50% or above for the module.

Reading Lists

• MED8301's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• MED8301's Timetable