Clinical Pathology - Laboratory Diagnostics

Code

VETS4067

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Full Year UK, January Full Year UK, Summer UK

Summary

This module considers: 
•    Basic guidelines for set up and maintenance of an in-practice laboratory
•    Cytology
•    Laboratory data analysis; general principles
•    Evaluation of results in relation to clinical and historical information
 

Target Students

UK registered veterinary surgeons who meet the entry requirements contained in the supplementary regulations.Completion of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Professional Development Phase, as applicable dependent on year of graduation. The candidate should have completed the RCVS module B-SAP.1. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that they have access to sufficient clinical cases to produce adequate material for the module. It is the responsibility of the candidate to be aware of the limitations of their facilities to carry out clinical procedures and techniques that might be taught in the course of this module

Assessment

• Coursework: Chronological case log: Relevant cases recorded to demonstrate continual engagement with the area of practice throughout the module. Cases to demonstrate breadth of understanding within the subject area and how the majority of module learning outcomes have been addressed. Content should be factually accurate, with appropriate and justified case outcomes. (20 cases)
• 20% Coursework 2: Laboratory quality review :Candidates to demonstrate how they are assured of the reliability of results upon which they make clinical decisions. Example subjects of the review include:1) An implementation validation of laboratory equipment2) A review of local Quality Control practice and response to failed QC, 3) A review of local EQA practice and response to failed EQA4) A review of local non-statistical quality control practice 5) A review of quality assurance practice within a reference laboratory that the candidate uses. • The review should include a reflective element. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to reflect on broader areas and concepts relevant to the profession and subject matter. Up to 1500 words excluding references
• 80% Coursework 2: Case reports: •Candidates to select two cases to write as a detailed case report. •Cases to have a clear and coherent structure, including where relevant, signalment, case presentation, problem list and differential diagnoses, investigations, diagnosis, case management and outcome/follow up. •All cases to include a discussion with appropriate referencing. Critique of evidence referred to should also be included. •All cases to include a reflective element, so that areas of learning and professional development are clearly evident. •Cases will demonstrate factually accurate content and be of sufficient depth of knowledge to demonstrate attainment of the core skills and achievement of the relevant module learning outcomes.  (1500 words each excluding references)
• Coursework 3: Journal review: A critical review of a published paper relating to the relevant discipline, comprising an oral presentation and a short written submission.  The critique should enable the candidate to determine the paper’s relevance to their practice (500-1000 words).

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Intellectual
Thoroughly understand the pathophysiological basis of changes in laboratory test results.
 

Show thorough familiarity with the interpretation of laboratory test results in relation to other test results and the clinical condition 

Professional
Recognise when a case is truly unusual and become familiar with information resources available to enable them to deal with such cases
 

Recognise when a case is beyond their personal or practice capabilities for continued testing and monitoring

Transferrable
Review and constructively criticise current literature on the specialty, to enable them to determine the relevance to their current practice 
 

Utilise their understanding of evidence-based medicine and decision analysis to develop practical diagnostic protocols for their patients

Conveners

• Mrs Julia Bennett
• Prof Peter Graham