This clinical unit will provide opportunities to apply and integrate both theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and professional behaviours in the clinical environment. In addition to the consolidation of skills in electrophysiological assessment, you will be exposed to a range of cardiovascular assessment techniques, including echocardiography. Using clinical cases you will analyse and reflect upon the information provided to produce provisional differential diagnoses and patient management plans within an ethical framework of best practice and patient safety. Behavioural aspects of professional practice are emphasised and you are expected to reflect on your own performance and exhibit the highest level of safe patient care. Critical appraisal of performance will enable you to advance your professional, technical and analytical skills in a work setting under qualified supervision.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE Report

There was some confusion with the breakdown of specific hours required for the placement.

Teaching staff will continue to promote the practicum requirements prior to and throughout the placement. Students will be directed to be familiar with the information published in the course handbook and Moodle site.

Feedback from Industry feedback

Some students approached this practicum thinking it was predominantly echocardiogram based and that gaining experience within other modalities was less important.

Teaching staff will emphasise the importance of using this practicum to increase foundational knowledge and experience in a wide range of testing. This practicum is targeted at the level of a cardiac physiologist and the day to day routine of a cardiology department. Echocardiology is a smaller component of this practicum, however still important in regards to achieving accreditation.

Feedback from Unit coordinator

Some student assessments were left to the last minute which resulted in clinical staff being either too busy or unavailable, resulting in late submissions and or limited time for a re-attempt, if required.

Unit Coordinator will reinforce assessment due dates before and during placement to assist students in managing their study and timelines.