Ateneo - UPO

The module analyzes the physiological and technological principles of multi-parameter monitoring in critically ill patients. It explores non-invasive and invasive monitoring techniques (hemodynamic, respiratory, neurological), focusing on data interpretation for life support and complication prevention.

G. Antonelli, M. Casati. Monitoring in Anesthesia and Intensive Care.
J.L. Vincent. Textbook of Critical Care (oppure Basics of Intensive Care).
Recent scientific articles and international guidelines (ESC, ESICM) provided by the instructor within the MED/41 sector.

The main objective is to provide the student with the skills to:
Knowledge and understanding: To understand the physical and physiological bases of monitoring systems and the clinical relevance of the parameters detected in various life-threatening conditions.
Applying knowledge and understanding: To acquire technical skills for the correct management of monitoring devices (setup, calibration, maintenance) and for the integration of data into the care plan.
Making judgements: To develop the ability to distinguish between technical artifacts and real clinical variations, critically interpreting trends to guide therapeutic decisions.
Communication skills: To know how to report and discuss data derived from instrumental monitoring with technical precision within the critical care team.
Learning skills: To develop an aptitude for staying updated on technological innovations and scientific evidence regarding advanced monitoring.

Knowledge of pharmacology, physiology and internal medicine.

Lectures supported by multimedia technologies.
Guided analysis of real tracings and clinical case studies.
Practical laboratory sessions with simulation of monitor setup and technical troubleshooting.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment Methods
The assessment of learning outcomes is conducted in an integrated manner through a single evaluation test, which covers:
1)Semiotics and assessment of vital signs
2)Advanced nursing assessment
3)Advanced Life Support (ALS)
4)Invasive and non-invasive clinical and instrumental monitoring

The assessment consists of a written exam featuring educational/organizational case studies developed by the course instructors. Each case is associated with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), featuring 4 response options, only one of which is correct.
The questions are designed to evaluate acquired knowledge, applied understanding, and autonomy of judgment.
The number of questions for each module is proportional to the number of ECTS (CFU) credits assigned, based on the criterion of 4 questions per credit, up to a maximum of 12 questions per module. Consequently, the total number of questions varies according to the number of modules within the integrated course. Specifically, for the Integrated Course in Models and Methodologies for Educational Design, Teaching, Clinical Leadership, and Consultancy, the total number of questions will be 32.
Each question is awarded 1 point. The final result is re-scaled to a range of 0 to 32, where:
18 points represents the minimum passing grade (equivalent to 18/30).
31 or 32 points represents the maximum grade (30/30 cum laude).
The exam will be duration of 48 minutes

Monitoring Principles: Definition, purposes, and limitations of monitoring; transduction systems and signal analysis.
Hemodynamic Monitoring: Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) and invasive blood pressure (IBP); Central Venous Pressure (CVP); advanced monitoring of cardiac output and preload (PiCCO, Swan-Ganz, mini-invasive methods).
Respiratory Function Monitoring: Pulse oximetry (SpO2), capnography (EtCO2), respiratory mechanics in the ventilated patient; monitoring of gas exchange.
Neurological and Metabolic Monitoring: Intracranial Pressure (ICP); core body temperature; monitoring of urine output and fluid balance.
Safety Management: Prevention of infectious and mechanical complications related to vascular catheters and monitoring systems.

Upon completion of the module, the student is expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding:
Describe the functioning and clinical indications of hemodynamic monitoring (invasive and non-invasive), respiratory monitoring, and blood gas analysis.
Know the basics of brain function and body temperature monitoring.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
Manage monitoring systems for invasive arterial pressure, CVP, and cardiac output.
Interpret mechanical ventilation parameters and capnography.
Making judgements:
Analyze monitoring data to early identify signs of shock or respiratory failure.
Assess the accuracy of monitored data in relation to the patient's clinical status.
Communication skills:
Effectively communicate changes in vital parameters using appropriate terminology (e.g., SBAR approach).
Learning skills:
Independently use scientific literature to explore the new frontiers of mini-invasive monitoring.