Study Guide

Objectives

The aim of the course is to develop knowledge and skills in clinical physiology examinations from the perspective of a biomedical laboratory scientist.

After completion of the course the student:
• understands the anatomy, physiology and the most common diseases related to clinical physiology examinations
• is able to instruct patients through clinical physiology examinations in a client-oriented manner, taking into account pre-analytical factors of the examination
• can measure blood pressure and perform ECG recordings
• understands the basics of clinical exercise testing
• is able to perform pulmonary function tests (spirometry and peak expiratory flow).
• recognizes normal and abnormal findings in basic examinations
• understands the basics of other clinical physiology examinations
• works in consideration of patient well-being, safety, and the principles of quality assurance in examinations.

Content

• Clinical physiology as a specialty
• Function of the cardiovascular system and its most common diseases
• Measurement of blood pressure
• Theoretical basis of cardiac electrical activity and ECG recording
• Performing high-quality ECG recordings
• Recognizing common ECG findings
• Basics of long-term blood pressure and ECG monitoring
• Basics of clinical exercise testing
• Function of the respiratory system and most common pulmonary diseases
• Performing peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurement and patient instruction
• Performing flow-volume spirometry and patient instruction
• Reviewing spirometry measurements and selecting acceptable curves
• Other clinical physiology examinations
• Quality management

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student is familiar with the basics of clinical physiology examinations and the most common tests. The student can instruct patients through examinations and perform basic tests (blood pressure measurement, ECG, PEF, and spirometry) according to instructions. The student recognizes normal findings, takes patient well-being and safety into account during examinations, and understands the basics of quality assessment. The student prepares for and participates in the course activities according to instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student understands the basics of clinical physiology examinations and applies his/her knowledge to perform basic tests (blood pressure measurement, ECG, PEF, and spirometry). The student can recognize normal findings and to some extent deviations from normal, takes patient well-being and safety into account during examinations, and adheres to principles of quality assessment. The student actively, systematically, and carefully prepares for and participates in the course activities.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student systematically organizes and analyzes the basics of clinical physiology examinations and applies his/her knowledge to perform basic tests (blood pressure measurement, EKG, PEF, and spirometry). Quality assessment is seamlessly integrated into his/her work. The student identifies normal findings and most common deviations from normal very well. The student's patient-centered approach to examinations is individualized and anticipatory. The student is highly motivated to systematically and comprehensively develop his/her own and their group's professional competence during the course.