Knowledge of the Australian health care system and cardiology is required to practice as a Cardiac Physiologist and Echocardiographer. Health care involves the participation of patients, family, carers and a diverse team of specialised health care professionals. A collaborative interprofessional team supports exceptional and safe care, patient and staff satisfaction and engagement, and organisational efficiency and innovation. To contribute effectively within an interprofessional team, it is important to be willing to collaborate, have mutual trust and respect for your team members and communicate your knowledge, skills, and concerns with confidence. Therefore, as valued members of the interprofessional team you must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular diseases, common diagnostic tests, adhere to professional requirements, acknowledge patient expectations, and be aware of emerging health reform policies.

Create a Peer Information Sheet (A4 format) for the benefit of health professionals from other fields. The sheet(s) will consist of four sections with approximately 400 words per section. You may use lectures, tutorials, and relevant materials provided on the unit Moodle site. In addition to the unit materials provided, you must research current literature in order to develop your response. The four sections to be discussed include:

Section 1 – Introduction

• Discuss the epidemiological distribution (frequency, pattern) of cardiovascular disease globally, and in Australia
• Define risk factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease
• Provide examples of the common types of cardiovascular disease in Australia
• Include an appropriate image to enhance content and understanding

Section 2 - Body

• List common diagnostic procedures that are used to investigate cardiovascular disease
• Choose ONE diagnostic test from your list and describe:
• Why this test is performed
• How it is performed and
• What the results may indicate

• Include an appropriate image to enhance content and understanding
• Provide an example of an authoritative source where patients and/or health professionals can source further information on this procedure

Section 3 – Body

• Describe the ongoing professional development responsibilities of Cardiac Physiologists and/or Echocardiographers in relation to;
• Accreditation
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Discuss the essential elements of effective patient-clinician communication
• Include in your answer the desired outcome
• List TWO actions or strategies that may help you improve patient-clinician communication

Section 4 – Body

Research health reforms in Australia and chose ONE policy or strategy that has the potential to improve the lives of patients living with cardiovascular disease. You may wish to consider preventative strategies, health service improvements or health infrastructure advancements.

• Define the problem
• Describe the solution
• Discuss the impact and include in your answer;
• a minimum of TWO benefits of this policy or strategy, and
• a minimum of TWO limitations or barriers to this policy or strategy

• Include an appropriate image to enhance content and understanding

Word Count

1600 words +/- 10%, word count does not include headings or references but does include explanations of tables and figures.

Referencing

Vancouver referencing style. Minimum 5 peer-reviewed journal articles (within the last 5 years) must be cited.

Format and Submission

• A4 format, orientation portrait, multiple pages allowed
• Title page
• Student name
• Student number
• Unit name
• Assessment title
• Word count

• Consider the use of figures, tables and/or dot points to present information clearly and concisely
• Submit online via Moodle .doc or docx files ONLY
• You are required to submit a copy to Turnitin. Please allow time to review your Turnitin results and implement changes if required prior to the assessment due date.
• If you do not submit an extension request or it does not demonstrate sound reasons for a late request, a penalty of five percent of the total available marks for the assessment will be deducted for each full or part calendar day the assessment task is overdue

You will be assessed using the Written Assessment marking rubric and on your ability to:

• Locate and critically evaluate information
• Recognise pertinent professional information
• Describe the role of a Cardiac Physiologist / Echocardiographer in the interprofessional team
• Describe practical aspects of diagnostic cardiology

A downloadable copy of the Written Assessment task descriptor can be found HERE.

You are required to complete two practical assessment tasks - a hand hygiene assessment and a scanning and interpretation assessment. You will use theoretical knowledge from lectures, tutorials as well as skills and information from Residential School to perform these assessments under the supervision of a Tutor / Assessor.

Practical Assessment Task 1: Hand Hygiene
Demonstrate competency in the performance of effective hand washing (safe practice) using soap and water.

Practical Assessment Task 2: Scanning and Interpretation

Demonstrate introductory knowledge of cardiac ultrasound scanning, probe manipulation and scan sector orientation. 

A time limit of 10 minutes will be applied to Practical Assessment Task 2: Scanning and Interpretation.

You will be notified of your campus specific assessment schedule on the day:

• You must be available to act as a patient model for peer practical assessments
• You may have to be a patient model on more than one occasion
• You cannot request who you scan for your practical assessment

You will be assessed using the Practical Assessment Task 1 marking rubric and Practical Assessment Task 2 marking rubric and, on your ability, to:

• Demonstrate professional behaviour and safe practice
• Demonstrate introductory knowledge of cardiac ultrasound scanning
• Identify sector orientation
• Manipulate the transducer
• Use appropriate terminology

This is a PASS/FAIL assessment. Pass means that the standard of practice or knowledge displayed is at or above the performance criteria outlined in the marking rubric. To be deemed competent and pass, ALL action criteria boxes must be performed correctly. Components are graded separately so that if one is passed and another is not, only the failed component must be repeated successfully to pass overall. You are advised to carefully review the assessment marking rubrics. No marks or feedback will be given at the time of assessment, or prior to moderation across campuses. 

Only one re-attempt for either practical assessment will be permitted. Practical assessment re-sits will be held on the same day as the original attempt, following feedback provision (Friday 15 May 2020). All enrolled students must be available to act as a patient model for peer re-sits if requested by the unit coordinator.

A downloadable copy of the Practical Assessment task descriptor can be found HERE.