CQUniversity Unit Profile
ECHO12007 Cardiac Rhythm Assessment
Cardiac Rhythm Assessment
All details in this unit profile for ECHO12007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit prepares you for entry into the clinical environment. You will build upon your knowledge of diagnostic techniques which complement echocardiography, in particular electrocardiograph (ECG) assessment. You will study the principles underpinning cardiac rhythm management (CRM), device applications, and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). You will apply your knowledge to a variety of cardiovascular pathologies and case studies, formulating differential diagnoses. You will consider patient management strategies within an ethical framework of best practice and patient safety.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisites:ECHO12006 Cardiac ScienceANDECHO11002 Cardiac Structure and Function

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2022

Mixed Mode

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 30%
3. Online Test
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Interpret the outcome of 12-Lead electrocardiogram (ECG) studies to an intermediate level of competency
  2. Explain the concepts underpinning cardiac rhythm management (CRM) and device applications, including consideration of best practice and patient safety
  3. Explain concepts underpinning cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), including the identification of candidates, treatment benefits and assessment strategies.
  4. Analyse clinical case studies (including data derived from cardiac devices, electrocardiography and echocardiography) and to construct links between cardiovascular disease presentation, assessment and patient outcomes.

Unit developed in collaboration with British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS) certified staff.

Linked to the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Register Standards for Cardiac Sonography:

  • Foundation Units of Competence 1 - 5
  • Critical Practice Unit 8 (Cardiac)

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Group Work - 30%
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
3 - Online Test - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

12-lead ECG : the art of interpretation

Second edition (c2015)
Authors: Garcia, Tomas B
Jones & Bartlett Learning
Burlington Burlington , MA
ISBN: 9780763773519 (pbk.); 0763773514 (pbk.)
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

The Nuts and Bolts of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

(2008)
Authors: Kenny, Tom
Blackwell Publishing, Inc.
Malden Malden , Massachuse , USA
ISBN: 9781405153720
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

The Nuts and Bolts of ICD Therapy

(2007)
Authors: Kenny, Tom
Blackwell Publishing
Malden Malden , Massachuse , USA
ISBN: 9781405135115
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

The Nuts and Bolts of Implantable Device Therapy Pacemakers

(2014)
Authors: Kenny, Tom
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Chichester Chichester , UK
ISBN: 9781118670675
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

The Nuts and Bolts of Paced ECG Interpretation

(2009)
Authors: Kenny, Tom
Wiley‐Blackwell
Oxford Oxford , UK
ISBN: 9781405184045
Binding: eBook

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Aidan Rickwood Unit Coordinator
a.rickwood@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

PPM INDICATIONS

ECG: STEPWISE RECAP

Chapter

See eReading list for details. 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

NBG CODE

ECG: RHYTHM RECOGNITION

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Jul 2022

Module/Topic

ELECTRICAL CONCEPTS OF PACING

ECG: TYPES OF HEART BLOCK

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

SINGLE CHAMBER PACING

ECG: ARRHYTHMIA'S

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

DUAL CHAMBER PACING

ECG: INTERPRETATION

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

N/A

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

TACHY ARRHYTHMIAS

INTRODUCTION TO EGMS

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Quiz Due: Week 6 Monday (22 Aug 2022) 8:00 am AEST

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Aug 2022

Module/Topic

ICD INDICATIONS

EGM RHYTHMS

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

THE ROLE OF ECHO IN CRT

PRINCIPLES OF CRT PACING

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 9 Begin Date: 12 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

UPPER RATE BEHAVIOUR

ICD SENSING

ICD DETECTION

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

SVT DISCRIMINATOR'S

BRADYTHERAPY IN ICD'S

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 Sep 2022

Module/Topic

EGM ARRHYTHMIAS

DOWNSIDE TO RV PACING

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Website Design Due: Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022) 8:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

ARRHYTHMIA THERAPY

RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING OF CARDIAC DEVICES

Chapter

See eReading list for details.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Oct 2022

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Final Online Test Due: Exam Week Monday (17 Oct 2022) 8:00 am AEST

Term Specific Information

Unit Coordinator and Contact Details

The unit coordinator for ECHO12007 Cardiac Rhythm Assessment is Aidan Rickwood. The most efficient and preferred method of contacting Aidan is via the Q&A forum located on the unit Moodle site. If your query is of a personal nature, please contact Aidan directly via email (a.rickwood@cqu.edu.au) or phone (08 92604034). Aidan's office hours are Monday to Wednesday, therefore, it is often best to email and request a scheduled meeting (over the phone, via Zoom, or in person), if necessary.


The first point of contact is the Q&A forum on the unit Moodle site. Forums are monitored and responses will be posted to all students in a timely manner. Please ensure that your conduct in forums is consistent with that outlined in the Student Charter.


Unit Tutorials

Tutorials for this unit will be delivered online using ZOOM (the links required for accessing the tutorials are provided on the Moodle site under the Virtual Classes tile). The tutorials will focus on clarification of theoretical concepts and assessment requirements.


Tutorials are designed to complement the theories and principles presented in lectures. Tutorials provide an opportunity for discussion and interaction with other students and with your tutor. It is important students make the most of these interactive sessions and participate fully in order to broaden knowledge and experience with the course material.


Note: Tutorials are recorded for educational purposes. Recordings of Zoom tutorials may be uploaded and appear on Moodle or Microsoft Teams. If you have any concerns about being recorded please turn off your webcam or audio, or both, during the session. Your participation will signify your consent to the recording and publication for educational purposes.


Unit Study Commitment

As per Australian educational standards, there is an expectation of 150 hours of engagement required to complete learning and assessment tasks associated with this 6 credit point unit. (i.e. 12.5 hours per week). Weekly revision material will be provided.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz

Task Description

The Online Quiz will assess your understanding of all ECG content from weeks one (1) to week five (5) and the CRM content from weeks one (1) and two (2).

This assessment task will require you to complete one (1) Online Quiz.


The Online Quiz will be marked out of 100 marks. You will have 1hr 40 minutes (100 minutes) to complete the quiz.

Questions posed will assess your ability to:

  • interpret the outcome of 12-Lead electrocardiogram (ECG) studies.
  • explain the concepts underpinning cardiac rhythm management (CRM) and device applications, including consideration of best practice and patient safety.

Details of the Online Quiz include:

  • Once started, the quiz cannot be paused or restarted.
  • Only one attempt is permitted.
  • The Online Quiz will automatically close and submit completed answers once the allocated time has elapsed.
  • The time available to complete this assessment is purposely kept tight to promote fact recall, rather than testing the ability of students to look up answers in available resources at hand.

As the Online Quiz is an open book, you will find it useful if you have produced your own notes from content within the unit (lectures, readings, tutorials, etc) and you may benefit from having normal electrocardiographic reference ranges and a calculator available to ensure that you are prepared for this assessment.

Questions will be randomly drawn from a resource bank, which will provide each student with a unique experience for each quiz.

Students are reminded that IT support from the University Information and Technology Division (TASAC) is only available during AEST business hours. It is recommended that the Online Quiz is completed during business hours. Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university examinations, colluding with other students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken by the Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching HMAS.

Please note that the Online Quiz must be completed before the due date listed. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after this date, and there will be no opportunity to apply a late penalty of five (5) percent per day. Students will receive a mark of zero (or fail) for this assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time and do not have an approved extension.


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Quiz opens Monday Week 6 (22/8/2022) at 8:00am AEST and closes Wednesday Week 6 (24/8/2022) at 8:00pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Individual student results will be made available within two (2) weeks of completion.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria


Students will be required to answer a variety of questions presented in an online format. Answers will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Ability to appropriately interpret presented data and images.
  • Ability to respond clearly and concisely.
  • Use of appropriate terminology and descriptors.


Online Quiz mark allocation:

  • The number of marks allocated for each question will be indicated within the quiz.
  • Question marks are allocated based on the accuracy, depth, and breadth of required responses.


Please ensuring that the quiz is commenced with sufficient time before the quiz closes (i.e. commence the test before 6:20 pm AEST on designated Wednesday - if the test is not completed by 08:00 pm AEST your test may be automatically submitted incomplete or with no answers).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Interpret the outcome of 12-Lead electrocardiogram (ECG) studies to an intermediate level of competency
  • Explain the concepts underpinning cardiac rhythm management (CRM) and device applications, including consideration of best practice and patient safety

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Website Design

Task Description

We live in a society where people look to the internet as the first point of interest when it comes to topics such as healthcare. The internet is a part of our everyday lives, and it is often regarded as an informative portal for furthering our knowledge.


In this assessment, you are asked to design a website using Wix.com online platform. The aim of your website is to educate your fellow colleagues about the diagnosis and management of a specific cardiovascular condition using cardiac rhythm and echocardiographic assessment modalities.


You will organise yourself into a group of your peers, ideally groups will contain 4/5 students (dependent on student enrolment). As this is an online assessment, groups can contain students from the same campus or cross campus / interstate.


Each team member will individually research the topic. You will then collaborate as a team to create a website for educational purposes.


The topic is:

Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) in heart failure.

The weighting for this assessment is distributed across three (3) assessment components:


3a. Individual component (15% of the assessment weighting)

You will be required to research the provided topic area and write a 500 (+/- 10%) word essay.

The essay should include:

  • A definition of the disease
  • A description of a CRT device and the implications this type of treatment has on heart failure
  • Echocardiography findings of the disease
  • Reference list

This essay can then be used to aid in the development of your group presentation. A minimum of 5 references should be included. References does not form part of individual word counts. Students will receive an individual mark for this task component.


3b. Website development (10% of the assessment weighting)

The website should contain five (5) tabs only.

The tabs will have the following titles:

· Overview of the website

· Disease information

· The role of CRT in heart failure

· Echocardiography findings

· References


Group members will work together, sharing development tasks between themselves to craft the website. All team members will receive the same mark for this task component.


3c. Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) tool (5% of the assessment weighting)

To assess each member's contribution to the group work, you will need to complete a Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) activity.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (30 Sept 2022) 8:00 pm AEST

Submit through Moodle assessment tab. All students are required to submit their individual essays and a link to their respective group Web page, the link can be attached to the end of the essay after the reference list. The document must be appropriately labelled with the student name and student number. Documentation may be submitted in Word or PDF format. JPEG format is not acceptable. Individual essays need to be submitted via Turnitin, please allow time to receive feedback and make any necessary changes. Each student is required to complete the SPA survey in week twelve (12) after the assessment has been submitted.


Return Date to Students

Individual student results will be made available within two (2) weeks of submission.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria cues should be considered by students when completing each task component.

  • Have you prioritised relevant information for inclusion?
  • Is the information included accurate and evidence-based with relevant references?
  • Does the information provided indicate that you understand the topic?
  • Have you used images that are relevant?
  • Is your spelling and grammar exemplary?
  • Have you adhered to the correct referencing style?


Below is a breakdown of what is required within the website. A detailed marking rubric can be found on the unit Moodle website.


Tab descriptors:

Tab 1: Overview of the website 150 (+/- 10%)


In this page you are required to introduce all group members, stating the name of your unit, course, and the campus / university you’re enrolled at.


Include the following:

· Describe what the website is designed for.

· Provide a guide for the reader on how to navigate the website.

· Clearly define the target audience.

· Describe the aims / objectives of the information provided on the website.

· Explain the significance of the cardiovascular condition as an important health issue.


Tab 2: Disease information 250 (+/- 10%)

This page should contain the main overview about the disease and should reflect evidence of a wide range of readings including the most up to date and accurate information about the disease using multiple credible resources.

Include the following:

· Clearly define the background to the condition including facts / figures / statistics and identify the high-risk group.

· Clearly explain the signs and symptoms of the condition.

· Discuss any differential diagnosis.

· Define the different grades / levels of severity for the condition and how each is assessed.


Tab 3: The role of CRT in heart failure 250 (+/- 10%)

This page should provide background information on Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) and how CRT can benefit the treatment of heart failure.

Included the following:

· Discuss the background of CRT pacing.

· Clearly describe the different pacing techniques involved with achieving optimal CRT therapy.

· Identify current guidelines and recommended patient selection for CRT implantation.

· Discuss the prognosis of the procedure.


Tab 4: Echocardiography findings 200 (+/- 10%)


This page should include how echocardiography can be used as an investigative tool in assessing the condition pre and post CRT implantation.


Include the following:

· How echocardiography can be utilised for investigating suspected heart failure and determining management plans.

· Discuss suitable scanning protocols to obtain appropriate information when assessing heart failure.

· Identify any differential diagnosis and possible complications.


Tab 5: References

This page should contain all your end text citations and link address to any other websites / videos you have used in your website. The references should be divided under subheadings (corresponding to page / tab number) to show which references were used for each page / tab.

All website content needs to contain correct in-text citation using Vancouver style of referencing with superscript numbers.

When referencing use reputable websites or peer reviewed journals. Minimum of 5 references.


3c. Self and Peer Assessment (SPA) tool

To assess each member's contribution to the group work, you will need to complete a self and peer assessment (SPA) activity. Each person within the group will score themselves and other team members for their degree of contribution to the group work activity.


All students will be required to individually complete a SPA tool. Students will be emailed a SPA Tool access link via email. SPA submission details are confidential and are not made available to other members of the group.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain concepts underpinning cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), including the identification of candidates, treatment benefits and assessment strategies.
  • Analyse clinical case studies (including data derived from cardiac devices, electrocardiography and echocardiography) and to construct links between cardiovascular disease presentation, assessment and patient outcomes.

3 Online Test

Assessment Title
Final Online Test

Task Description

The Online Test will assess your understanding of concepts underpinning Cardiac Rhythm Management and Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy, including consideration of best practice, patient safety, treatment benefits and assessment strategies.


Content will be drawn from week three (3) to week twelve (12) and all electrogram (EGM) specific content presented within this unit.


The Online Test will be marked out of 100 marks. You will have 2hrs 10 minutes (130 minutes) including reading time to complete the quiz.


As the test is online and open book, you will benefit from having created your own study notes. It is recommended that you have a calculator available when sitting the Online Test.


Details of the Online Test include:

  • Once started, the Online Test cannot be paused or restarted.
  • Only one attempt is permitted.
  • The Online Test will automatically close and submit completed answers once the allocated time has elapsed.
  • The time available to complete this assessment is purposely kept tight to promote fact recall, rather than testing the ability of students to look up answers in available resources at hand.


You will be required to answer a variety of online questions.

Questions may be drawn from:

  • lectures,
  • additional resources provided, and
  • tutorial presentations.

Questions may include:

  • multiple choice,
  • short answer,
  • essay style, or
  • image interpretation format.


Students are reminded that IT support from the University Information and Technology Division (TASAC) is only available during AEST business hours. It is recommended that the Online Test is completed during business hours. Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.


This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university examinations, colluding with other students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken by the Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching HMAS.


In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after this date, and there will be no opportunity to apply a late penalty of five (5) percent per day. Students will receive a mark of zero (or fail) for this assessment if you have not completed it by the scheduled date and time and do not have an approved extension.


Assessment Due Date

The Online Test will open during the exam period and will remain open for 48 hours (8am AEST on Monday the 17th October and close at 8am AEST on Wednesday the 19th October).


Return Date to Students

Individual student results will be made available within two (2) weeks of completion.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Students will be required to answer a variety of questions presented in an online format. Answers will be assessed according to the following criteria:

  • Ability to appropriately interpret presented data and images.
  • Ability to respond clearly and concisely.
  • Use of appropriate terminology and descriptors.
  • Correct grammar and spelling.

Online Test mark allocation:

  • The number of marks allocated for each question will be indicated within the quiz.
  • Question marks are allocated based on the accuracy, depth, and breadth of required responses.

Please ensure that the Online Test is commenced with sufficient time before the it closes (i.e. commence the Online Test before 6:20 am AEST on designated Wednesday - if the test is not completed by 08:00 am AEST your test may be automatically submitted incomplete or with no answers).


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the concepts underpinning cardiac rhythm management (CRM) and device applications, including consideration of best practice and patient safety
  • Explain concepts underpinning cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), including the identification of candidates, treatment benefits and assessment strategies.
  • Analyse clinical case studies (including data derived from cardiac devices, electrocardiography and echocardiography) and to construct links between cardiovascular disease presentation, assessment and patient outcomes.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?