Respiratory/Medicine
General Information
N.B. As each of the above supervisors has their own specialist clinical area, the actual focus for each placement will be dependent on which clinical supervisor(s) the student is allocated to.
Much of the work on these placements is based on the medical wards, critical care and respiratory outpatients, depending on your educator. Although opportunities may be available to gain experience within cardiac rehabilitation and the amputee service.
The patients range from those admitted as an emergency with an acute illness to those who have long term conditions and for whom their current illness and admission is one of several episodes.
The workload is split between providing respiratory care to patients and restoring their mobility, function, and independence.
Multi-disciplinary teamwork is a key element of these placements and good time management, prioritisation and discharge planning skills are essential.
Photo: Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Co-ordinators Liam Baker and Grace Ward
Common conditions
Respiratory conditions
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Acute chest infections
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Bronchiectasis
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Respiratory Failure
Conditions requiring admission to ITU:
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Major surgery
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Overdose
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Multiple Organ Failure
Medical patients include those admitted following:
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Falls
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Deterioration of mobility / function
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Multi-pathologies
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Frailty / Dementia
Knowledge and skills required
Students will be expected to:
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Have a knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the cardio-respiratory system and be able to link this to patient presentations and pathologies.
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Undertake subjective and objective assessments utilising, where appropriate, the skills of observation, palpation, auscultation, interpretation of ABGs, CXRs, assessments of exercise tolerance and functional capacity.
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Complete mobility and moving and handling assessments to facilitate discharge planning.
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Identify problems, goals and outcome measures from assessment findings and plan and progress treatment regimes.
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Implement techniques to:
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Reduce Work of breathing.
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Optimise lung volume / VQ matching.
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Reduce complications related to immobility.
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Improve strength and function.
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Improve balance and prevent falls.
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Educate patients and build their confidence.
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Improve sputum clearance.
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Optimise secretion management.
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Liaise with all members of the MDT to optimise patient care and facilitate safe and timely discharges.
Learning Outcomes
On completing this module you should be able to:
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Assess a patient confidently.
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Identify problems and plan an appropriate course of physiotherapy treatment based on assessment findings.
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Implement the treatment plan with regular reassessments and progression of treatment.
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Liaise with the wider MDT to facilitate safe and timely discharges as appropriate.
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Understand the national discharge pathways and be able to confidently assess and suggest appropriate pathways when discharging patients.
Learning Opportunities
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Shadowing multiple members of the MDT such as: OT, Nursing, Drs, Critical care outreach and discharge teams.
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Shadowing bronchoscopy
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Shadowing tracheostomy procedures
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Attending community visits
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Observing theatre
Day 1
Full uniform is worn (polo shirt if preferred) and ID Badge required to be always displayed. ID badges are provided during your induction. More information will be sent out by your PLF before your placement starts.
Directions: visit www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk for directions and map of the hospital. The site is accessible via public transport.
Parking: Parking is available on site, a fee is charged for all patients, visitors and members of staff using these facilities. Parking permits are available, information will be sent out to you about these by our Practice learning facilitator before your placement starts
Photo: Chesterfield Royal Hospital
