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Review of Practical Procedures Course

Review of Practical Procedures for SpRs- Royal Glamorgan Hospital July 2000
Course Type: Clinical Skills
Duration: 2 half days
Price: £100 (Subsidised)
Overall Rating 4/5
Summary: 4/5

Course Format

After a light lunch we were given an introductory lecture on
the theory of Cardiac Pacing, and the use of USS to place central lines. We were
then split into groups of 4. The majority of doctors present were SpRs in
training or research. We rotated around stations which were staffed with
experienced instructors.

Lumbar Puncture- Tuition on a LP model in both the sitting and left lateral position.

Venous Access- Using manikins we practiced blind placement of internal jugular,
subclavian and femoral central lines. We also had a demonstration and opportunity to obtain venous access on a ‘cut-down’ model.

ICD Insertion-Using a suitably prepared mutton carcass we inserted chest drains
using both blunt dissection and seldinger techniques. We were also given the opportunity
to use an Abraham’s needle to obtain pleural tissue.

Vascular USS- We were shown how to operate a ‘Sonosite’ bedside ultrasound
machine using a vascular probe to aid the placement of central venous access.

Transvenous Cardiac Pacing- Using a model and a modified video camera and
monitor (to simulate screening) an experienced cardiologist demonstrated then
gave us the opportunity to practice transvenous pacing, then talked us through
how to operate a pacing box.

Summary

Although I attended the course only to satisfy a training requirement, I found I picked up useful tips on how to
perform procedures that I only perform occasionally. I would liked to have had referenced hand-outs.

Would you recommend this course?

Yes. I think this course would be most suitable for a medical SHO in years 2-3 or a year 1 SpR. I would still recommend it even if were to cost more.

Overall 4/5

JC