Professional/Short course Assessment and Management of Sleep Breathing Disorders

Content

The outline syllabus will typically cover the following:

• the effects of sleep on normal respiration and how this may be altered in patients with sleep-breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA).
• the technological aspects of the equipment used and recording requirements for pulse oximetry and respiratory polygraphy.
• the measurements of pulse oximetry using overnight recordings in relation to sleep-breathing disorders, and where appropriate as part of respiratory polygraphy.
• the treatment pathways for sleep-breathing disorders and applies the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to appropriate patients.
• understanding the results of pulse oximetry/respiratory polygraphy, based on the understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep-breathing disorders.

Learning and Teaching

This module will use an innovative, blended learning delivery model. This flexible provision will enable you to develop, advance and maximise your theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and application in the field of respiratory sleep medicine.

Delivery of the underpinning knowledge and practical skills will comprise:

• blended learning with on-campus teaching and practical skills (block weeks), coupled with online lectures/tutorials and webinars provided throughout the academic year on a timetabled basis.
• practice-based learning where you will learn and develop your skills through clinical practice by interaction with patients and teaching from senior practitioners within your department.

Assessment

Assessment of this module comprises two parts:

• a case study centred around a sleep-breathing disorder case you have encountered in your workplace
• an observed practical assessment of setting up a patient with pulse oximetry and respiratory polygraphy and the interpretation of provided results.