UBC Postgraduate Program in Cardiology
Goals and Objectives, Electrophysiology
July 1, 2013
Roles
Objectives
Medical Expert/
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Clinical Decision
Maker
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Understand the clinical
presentation, natural history and
prognosis of a variety of cardiac
arrhythmias and conduction
disturbances.
Learn the immediate management
of a variety of cardiac arrhythmias
including; atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular
tachycardia and ventricular
fibrillation.
Learn the immediate management
of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias.
Acquire the technical skills to insert
a temporary cardiac pacemaker.
Understand the indications and
utility of a variety of antiarrhythmic
medications.
Learn the indications for placement
of permanent cardiac pacemakers
and antitachycardia devices and
their appropriate follow-up.
Learn the diagnostic workup and
management of patients with
syncope.
Learn the diagnostic workup and
long term management of a variety
of cardiac arrhythmias including;
atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter,
supraventricular tachycardia,
ventricular tachycardia, ventricular
fibrillation, cardiac arrest and
sudden death.
Learn the indications for cardiac
electrophysiology studies and be
able to interpret the results.
Learn to interpret a surface
electrocardiogram and be able
determine from it the mechanism of
an arrhythmia (e.g. wide QRS
complex tachyarrhythmia.)
Strategies
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The scope and expectations of
the rotation are outlined.
Attend the outpatient
arrhythmia clinics where
patients are assessed by the
trainee and cases are
discussed with the Attending
Cardiac Electro-physiologist.
See all inpatient consultations
to the Arrhythmia Service and
review cases with the Attending
Electro-physiologist.
Attend and participate in
invasive electrophysiology
studies in the Electrophysiology Laboratory (EPL)
Review data collected in the
EPL with the Attending
Electrophysiologist.
Attend and participate in the
implantation of devices in the
EPL including; permanent
cardiac pacemakers, loop
recorders and anti-tachycardia
devices.
Attend and participate in
Electrophysiology Rounds.
UBC Postgraduate Program in Cardiology
Goals and Objectives, Electrophysiology
July 1, 2013
Communicator
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Collaborator
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Manager
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Health Advocate
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Scholar
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Learn to inform the patient and
their families regarding the
diagnosis, management and
prognosis of the patient’s
illness.
Maintain communication with
health care team regarding the
management of patients.
Learn to write concise, accurate
and informative consultations
notes/letters when asked to see
patients in consultation.
Learn to report/dictate reports
on cardiac electro-physiology
studies.
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Be able to work cooperatively
with other members of the
health care team.
Participate actively in the
performance of invasive
electrophysiology studies and
device implantations.
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Understand the cost
effectiveness of various
strategies in the management of
patients with cardiac
arrhythmias and conduction
disturbances.
Educate patients and families
regarding the patient’s illness.
Educate patients and families
regarding com- pliance and
future risks.
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Enhance knowledge base
regarding cardiac arrhythmias
and conduction disturbances.
Develop a strategy for literature
review and search
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Participate actively in the
management of patients
with cardiac arrhythmias by
taking histories and
performing physical
examinations.
Discuss with patients and
families the diagnosis and
management strategies for
the patient’s illness.
Review consultations with
the attending Cardiac
Electrophysiologist.
Write and dictate reports on
electrophysiology studies
and review these reports
with the Attending Cardiac
Electrophysiologist.
Lead the consultation team
while on the Cardiac
Electrophysiology Service.
Attend all procedures in the
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Laboratory while on the
Electrophysiology and
Cardiac Pacing Service.
Assist in the admission and
discharge process to
facilitate patient throughput
for the Service.
Discuss directly with
patients and families the
pathophysiology of the
patient’s illness and the
appropriate management
strategies.
Attend and participate
actively in Cardiac
Electrophysiology Rounds.
Read appropriate textbook
and literature references
UBC Postgraduate Program in Cardiology
Goals and Objectives, Electrophysiology
July 1, 2013
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Teach junior house staff.
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Professional
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To deliver care of the highest
quality with integrity, honesty
and compassion.
To learn the legal, ethical and
professional obligations of
practice in the context of the
management of patients with
cardiac arrhythmias and
conduction disturbances.
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regarding Cardiac
Electrophysiology.
Engage other members of
the health care team in
discussions regarding the
diagnosis or management of
cases seen while on the
Cardiac Electrophysiology
and Pacing Service.
Review available literature
regarding the legal and
ethical treatment of patients
with cardiac arrhythmias or
conduction disturbances.
Present case/s at
Cardiology Rounds
involving an ethical or legal
issue relevant to cardiac
arrhythmias or conduction
disturbances.