Overview

HYPERBARIC MEDICINE

Introduction

Welcome!

The aim of this course is to give you enough knowledge of the basic principles, clinical aspects and standards of practice of Hyperbaric medicine and basic wound management to allow you to manage patients in those conditions in which it is recognized and used as an adjuvant treatment. The modules/ Chapters will introduce you to the basics of hyperbaric medicine and how to handle the chambers and manage patients referred to you for various indications, contraindications, oxygen toxicity and side effects and protocols of treatment in accordance to UHMS and ECHM.

The module will also introduce you to basic aspects of different kinds of wounds with various modalities of treatment specific to wounds and dressing materials. (Links to a range of sources will be given throughout the module. Often, only a small part of the source is relevant to the issue of interest.

 For instance, reference will be made to the UHMS manual and textbooks of hyperbaric medicine which contains a huge amount of material. You are welcome to explore these references further than required for the module itself. Other sources specifically for further reading will also be provided to allow you to learn about some areas of hyperbaric medicine in more detail if you wish to do so. There are oceans of good quality material available online so be very selective about your reading beyond that required by the Curriculum)

Each chapter/ module will include:

• Synopsis of the chapter contents which is from standard textbooks of hyperbaric medicine mentioning the name of the author/book. The contents of the synopsis are copyright of the respective authors and we do not claim it to be ours. Further reference has to be made by going through the reference books (Each chapter will mention name of the book and author with page numbers from which contents are added in the module)

• Assessment (MCQ’s and short note answers to questions chosen from each of the broad areas above)- Assessment will be assigned to each topics at the end of each chapter or module. Those topics which do not have assignments will have some exercise which students will have to complete as per the topic requirements.

• The students will have to complete each chapter/module with assignments without which you will not be able to progress to the next chapter/ modules.

• Assignments in the form of MCQ’s will carry 1 mark each and students will have to complete within the stipulated time. The students will get 2 chances for each chapter assignment and best of the 2 assignment score will be considered for that chapter or module. Assignments are compulsory and minimum passing score is 50% for each module. Those modules against which there are only some exercise will no carry marks but will be graded as A/ B/ C depending on the faculties decisions.

• Students are required to purchase recommended standard textbooks. The course materials are provided in the synopsis for reading. Students will have to go through reference books for further reading of each chapters.

• Didactic lectures of topics will be conducted during the course(through some online teaching apps/ virtual classroom) which will be informed by personal communications.

• Contact program- Each student will have to attend contact program of 2 days at the designated place. Contact program will be after completion of assignments and final theory exam (Which will include MCQ’s, Short answers etc). Contact program will include hands on training on chambers with demonstrations on how to operate hyperbaric chambers, how to counsel patients, examination of patients before giving HBO, demonstration of transcutaneous oximetry machine, introduction on various wound dressings etc. Contact program is compulsory before your practical exams. Viva Voce will be conducted during contact program. Therefore, students need to come prepared for the same. Accommodation and food arrangement will be on the students to arrange for themselves.

• Final exams will both theory and practical. Each student will get only one attempt for the exams for a term. If a student fails to do so then he will have to reapply for the same and examination fees will be charged for the same which will be informed in due course. There should be no undue influence or any kind of request by the students for demanding things which is regarded as unfair and unethical under university rules and regulations.

• For attempting assignments kindly see to it that, your internet connection is well secured. There are only 2 attempts for each assignments.

• For Final exams there will be 300 marks MCQ for which you will be given 180 minutes to complete the same. There will be no second attempt for the same. Kindly see that your internet connection is well secured.

• Any problems encountered by the students during the course will be sorted by providing details which will be answered by coordinator immediately or within a time during communication.

Learning Outcomes

1.Demonstrate an understanding of the physics, physiology and pathophysiology relevant to the Hyperbaric medicine

2.Demonstrate knowledge of the equipment and procedures used in treating patients.

3.Demonstrate an understanding of how to counsel patients.

4. Demonstrate an understanding how to select and rejects patients for hyperbaric oxygen therapy

4.Demonstrate an understanding of how prevent any complications during treatment.

Director, HBOT ACADEMY