The recording of the heart’s electrical activity through the performance of a 12 lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) is vital in the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of various patients. This cardiac assessment tool is only beneficial however, when accurate clinical measurement (analysis and communication) strategies are applied. This Portfolio assessment requires students to reflect upon their ability to accurately analyse and communicate the outcome of an adult 12 lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) during routine clinical practice.

During clinical practicum, students are requested to collect five (5) ECG traces, with a trace representative from each of the following categories:
    1. Sinus rhythm, tachycardia, bradycardia, or arrhythmia
    2. Atrial fibrillation or ectopy
    3. Bundle branch block (LBBB or RBBB) or AV block (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree)
    4. Acute myocardial infarction or ischaemia
    5. Artefact anomaly (i.e. electrical, wandering baseline, muscle tremor, lead attachment or calibration error)

(Students who are unable to collect representative cases by week four (4) of clinical practicum, should contact their Unit Coordinator for exemplars.)

Students are then required to complete the 'ECG assessment template' available on the unit Moodle site for sections 1a and 1b of this assessment task.

An example of this assessment item can be found on the Moodle site. 

1a
For ECG traces from categories 1-4, students are required to:

- apply the Step-wise method of interpretation.
- summate key ECG features in preparation for communication of assessment outcome to a nominated Clinical Supervisor.

For the ECG trace from category five (5), students must:

- identify key ECG findings that are associated with the demonstrated artefact.
- explain why the artefact anomaly likely occurred.
- postulate how the cardiac physiologist could reduce or eliminate the artefact anomaly during routine practice.

For all ECG traces, students must complete a comprehensive measurement assessment, demonstrate correct measurement units and list corresponding normal reference values. Rationale must be provided for any abnormal measurement findings or measurements not performed.

At a mutually convenient time, students are responsible for scheduling a review of the five (5) ECG traces analysed in Part A with their nominated Clinical Supervisor.

Students are required to document Clinical Supervisor feedback, noting any errors in clinical measurement (analysis or communication) strategies applied.

1b
Students are required to reflect on their Clinical Supervisor feedback, identifying performance strength/weakness, and develop a strategy for skills improvement where applicable.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:
Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge.

This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university assessments, colluding with other students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken the Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching HMAS.

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for
additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

To facilitate Unit Coordinator review of assessment outcomes, a copy of clinically collected ECG traces must be submitted.

To PASS this assessment:

Students must successfully demonstrate ALL criteria descriptors as specified on the marking rubric.

The marking rubric can be found on the unit Moodle site.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is late will be awarded a FAIL.

In the event that a student does not achieve a PASS, students will only be given ONE opportunity to revise and resubmit their ECG portfolio.

- Any student who fails the first attempt will be offered additional feedback from the Unit Coordinator or nominated representative.
- Following additional feedback provision, the ECG portfolio re-submission will be required within 7 days.

This assessment task will require you to complete three (3) separate quizzes.

Questions posed in each quiz will assess your ability to:

- apply a 'Step-wise method' of 12-Lead ECG interpretation.
- interpret the outcome of various forms of electrocardiogram (ECG) studies. For example, 12-Lead, 3-Lead and 1-Lead ECG strips.
- construct links between cardiovascular disease presentation, assessment, and patient outcomes.

Students will be allowed two attempts at each quiz but no additional attempts will be provided.

- It is not compulsory to attempt each quiz two times.
- The highest grade achieved will serve as the final score for that quiz.

Each quiz will be marked out of 30 marks. There will be 30 minutes to complete each quiz.

- The number of marks allocated for each question will be indicated within the quiz.
- Question marks are allocated based on the accuracy, depth, and breadth of required responses and the question pool is randomised.                                                                    

This assessment is open book. You may benefit from having normal Electrocardiographic reference ranges and a
calculator available when attempting the quiz.

The topic focus for each quiz is listed below:

- Quiz 1 - Arrhythmias
- Quiz 2 - Heart block
- Quiz 3 - Myocardial infarction

To offer flexibility, all three (3) quizzes will be simultaneously open. It is not a requirement that students are actively undertaking clinical placement at the time of quiz attempt.  The duration of each quiz is tailored to promote recall of fact, rather than research of answers unknown. There is no time delay between attempts. Once started, each quiz attempt cannot be paused or restarted.

Students are reminded that IT support from the university Information and Technology Division (TASAC) is only available during AEST business hours.

- If attempt issues occur outside of business hours, students should immediately email the Unit Coordinator documenting difficulties.
- Advice should include date and time of incident and screen shot from PC display if error evident.
- Incidents will be considered on a case-by-case basis. There are no guarantee extra quiz attempts will be offered.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university assessments, colluding with other
students on non-group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken the Deputy
Dean of Learning and Teaching HMAS.

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

Question responses will be assessed according to the:

- use of appropriate terminology and descriptors.
- student’s ability to appropriately interpret electrocardiogram (ECG) studies, including application of the step-wise interrogation method.
- student's ability to succinctly respond with accurate answers, constructing links between cardiovascular disease presentation, assessment, and patient outcomes.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is late will be awarded a mark of zero (or FAIL).

The Online Quiz(zes) will be accessible through the assessment tab on Moodle.

A 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used by clinicians to evaluate cardiac
abnormalities. The systematic approach and application of positioning the 12-lead ECG is universal. This helps to ensure
that, when a person's ECGs are compared, any changes on the ECG are due to cardiac injury. The analysis of ECG
signals recorded from misplaced electrodes can lead to misinterpretation or even to significant diagnostic errors.

The objective of this assessment task is to demonstrate competency in independently performing a 12-Lead ECG in line
with safe practice principles, within a set time frame (20 min).

Students are responsible for scheduling their practical assessment with their Clinical Supervisor, at a mutually convenient time.

- This assessment task must be attempted prior to the completion of the clinical placement block.
- It is recommended that the first attempt takes place prior to the 7th week of the practicum, to allow time for re-attempt if required.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for
additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

To PASS this assessment:

Students must successfully demonstrate ALL criteria descriptors as specified on the Standard 12-Lead ECG 'Assessment of Readiness for
Clinical' (ARC) tool.

The ARC tool can be found on the unit Moodle site.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is
late will be awarded a FAIL.

Should a student fail the first attempt at this assessment task, only one re-attempt will be permitted.

- Any student who fails the first attempt is encouraged to seek additional counsel from the Unit Coordinator prior to re-attempt.
- The student will be required to consider feedback and develop a strategy to improve their performance.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

- Perform electrophysiological and echocardiographic assessment on the cardiovascular system
- Analyse and communicate the outcomes of cardiac assessment including consideration of quality assurance.

In preparation for clinical placement, simulation scanning laboratories offer a safe environment where students can learn
and practice, without the pressure of real-world performance. This assessment task will evaluate your adaptation of
practical simulation scanning skills and safe practice to clinical practice.

This practical assessment requires

1. Demonstration of safe practice including hand hygiene and scanning ergonomics.

2. Acquisition of standard imaging windows with correct:

- probe manipulation
- image plane identification
- identification of key anatomical landmarks.

Students are responsible for scheduling the practical assessment with the Clinical Supervisor, at a mutually
convenient time.

- This assessment task must be attempted prior to the completion of the clinical placement block.
- It is recommended that the first attempt takes place prior to the 7th week of the practicum, to allow time for re-attempt if required.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for
additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

To PASS this assessment:

Students must successfully demonstrate ALL criteria descriptors as specified on the Echocardiographic Practical Assessment 'Assessment of Readiness for Clinical' (ARC) tool.

The ARC tool can be found on the unit Moodle site.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is
late will be awarded a FAIL.

Should a student fail the first attempt at this assessment task, only one re-attempt will be permitted.

- Any student who fails the first attempt is encouraged to seek additional counsel from the Unit Coordinator prior to re-attempt.
- The student will be required to consider feedback and develop a strategy to improve performance.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

- Perform electrophysiological and echocardiographic assessment on the cardiovascular system
- Analyse and communicate the outcomes of cardiac assessment including consideration of quality assurance

Clinical placement occurs in the professional workplace. As a clinical student, you are provided access to that workplace on the condition that behaviours and attributes of a healthcare professional are demonstrated while presenting a positive image to the clinical facility's staff and clients/patients. Australian sonography students must also be consistently working towards compliance with the ASA Sonography Code of Conduct. 

Clinical sites mention professional behaviour, particularly teamwork and empathy, as paramount in their decision to employ a cardiac sonographer. This assessment considers your ability to communicate professionally with a diverse cultural audience of patients, staff, and the general public, demonstrate professional respect for all, and function as a reliable, well organised member of the health team.

The Clinical Supervisor or delegate, will be working with the student in the clinical setting, directly observing the student's day-to-day performance. These observations and collected feedback relate to the student's demonstrated knowledge, skills and behaviours over a span of time, not limited to a particular cardiac modality, scan type or patient case. The observations and feedback are then used to complete the Global Assessment of Professional Attributes (GAPA) form which can be found on the unit Moodle site.

There are three main sections to the GAPA form:

- Section 1: Applied knowledge
- Section 2: Psychomotor Skills and Standard of Work
- Section 3: Professionalism

In each section there are multiple performance cues that are required to be demonstrated throughout the placement. The assessor will score the student's performance based on how frequently and to what extent the student demonstrates each of the listed behaviours and attributes. The assessor is also encouraged to provide comments to expand on the scoring feedback. This assessment occurs TWICE during the placement. Students are responsible for scheduling their GAPA assessments with their Clinical Supervisor, at a mutually convenient time.

The first GAPA occurs at the mid-placement point, at the end of Placement Week 4.

The mid-placement GAPA assessment is formative, meaning it is a progress check designed to provide the student and Unit Coordinator with documented feedback. The student is expected to use feedback to reflect on the performance, develop an action plan to address any areas of performance that are not yet at the target level for this placement, and use the remaining weeks of placement to achieve those targets. For any behaviour that the student scores well on at the mid-placement assessment, it is expected that the student will continue to meet that level of performance or surpass it for the rest of the placement. Any performance descriptors not satisfactorily demonstrated are to be scored 0 by the Clinical Supervisor.

If more than 50% of the performance descriptors are not demonstrated in the mid placement GAPA, a student will be regarded as a 'Student at Risk' of failing the clinical unit overall.

A student at risk:

- will be required to meet with the Unit Coordinator to discuss behavioural deficits, or to engage in email correspondence to the same effect
- must consider feedback and implement strategies for improvement
- will again be assessed a short time after an unsatisfactory mid placement GAPA, at a time requested by the Clinical Supervisor and/or Unit Coordinator
- will be awarded a fail grade for ECHO12005 Cardiac Clinical Unit 2, if unsatisfactory scores are achieved in the second 'final' GAPA, or improvements in performance are inadequate despite feedback provision.

A university representative will call or visit the clinical site during this process.

The final GAPA assessment is summative. By the end of the 8-week clinical practicum block, students must demonstrate
ALL criteria descriptors at a NOVICE (Level 1) competency level.

(As this placement is the first of four in the CV69 course offering, students should use feedback in this end-of-placement
assessment to inform their plans for improvement in the students' subsequent placements.)

Occasionally student behaviour is beyond acceptable risk to clinical sites. Clinical Supervisors must contact CQUniversity academics immediately when this occurs.

- A GAPA assessment is requested at this time (which could be at any time during placement).
- If the outcome of this GAPA is unsatisfactory, and/or the site feedback indicates that they can no longer host the student due to the risk incurred, then this one GAPA alone, or site refusal to host, will constitute a FAIL.
- Where such risk exists, placement will terminate immediately.
- It is difficult to place such students in the clinical environment again and hence continued progress within the echocardiography course may be at risk.

Students who fail a clinical placement unit will be required to meet with the Head of Course to discuss the instigation of
an individual learning contract, with a view to remedying the student's skills, technical issues and/or behavioural issues.

A learning contract:

- is individualised to the student, year level and situation at hand
- will detail individual learning objectives which must be achieved within a given time-frame
- will identify available learning resources and support strategies
- may mandate student attendance at practical labs for tuition
- may include progress checks (practical and/or theoretical tests) to ascertain improvement and maintenance of currency.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for
additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

Students will be assessed using the Global Assessment of Professional Attributes (GAPA) marking tool. The marking tool
can be found on the unit Moodle site.

By the end of the 8-week clinical practicum block, students must demonstrate ALL criteria descriptors listed on the
marking tool at a NOVICE (Level 1) competency level.

‘Novice’ students are at the first level of skill acquisition.

- Students remember, understand, and recall theoretical concepts but may not associate these concepts to clinical context.
- Direct supervision and clear instruction are usually required, and students are often unaware of their own limitations.
- Students are relatively unfamiliar with professional standards and may not communicate effectively in the clinical environment.

Students at a ‘Novice’ level:

- Demonstrate awareness of listed behavioural attribute and its importance in practice.
- Frequently require supervision and assistance to perform tasks.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is
late will be awarded a FAIL

Learning Outcomes Assessed

- Apply professional behaviour consistent with safe practice

The Clinical Case Logbook is a document designed to track clinical experience. Whilst on clinical placement, students are required to maintain a record of ALL clinical cases that they observe, participate in or perform.

It is recommended that:

- the Clinical Case Logbook is completed at the end of each clinical day.
- students analyse this record at regular intervals to assist in the formulation of learning goals that will support the achievement of unit outcomes.

The Clinical Case Logbook summates clinical case exposure into two tables (non-echo and echo activities), documenting the weekly cumulative case volume under descriptive category titles.

- Echocardiography cases will be categorised under the following titles: Transthoracic (TTE), Transoesophageal (TOE), Stress echo (SE), Dobutamine echo (DSE), and other.
- Other cardiac measurement modality cases will be categorised under the following titles: ECG, Exercise stress testing (EST), Holter monitoring, Blood pressure monitoring (BP), Cath lab, Electrophysiology studies (EP), Cardiac rhythm management procedures / Pacemaker checks (CRM), and other.

Each week of the logbook must be signed by the Clinical Supervisor, appropriately qualified medical practitioner, or the cardiac sonographer delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.

Maintenance of a Clinical Case Logbook helps to ensure that:

- an acceptable volume of clinical work is achieved
- exposure to a reasonable case variety is achieved to support development of key practical skills

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

In order to achieve an overall grade of PASS for this assessment task, students must:

- Observe, participate in, or perform a minimum of 20 echocardiography cases, from any category during clinical placement.
- Perform a minimum of 20 standard 12-lead ECGs in line with safe practice principles.
- Ensure logbook is signed by the Clinical Supervisor, appropriately qualified medical practitioner, or the cardiac sonographer delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.
- Ensure documentation is submitted by the due date.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is
late will be awarded a FAIL.

Document submission needs to adhere to guidelines of the assessment.
 

The ECHO12005 clinical practicum experience is 8-weeks in duration. Students are expected to undertake clinical placement in a full-time capacity, working 40 hours per week equivalent.

During this 8-week (320 hour) clinical practicum, students must:

- achieve a minimum of 80 hours (2 weeks x 40 hours) of direct echocardiography observance/participation approved by an ASAR registered Clinical Supervisor or appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
- complete an additional 240 hours (6 weeks x 40 hours) of multimodality exposure within the cardiac department.

As students are experiencing the ‘real’ work life of an Echocardiographer / Cardiac physiologist, they may be required to
work outside of a nine to five, Monday to Friday roster and travel to various site locations.

Students will be required to submit the Clinical Attendance Logbook in two parts, to enable check of attendance
compliance mid-practicum.

7a. A mid-placement Clinical Attendance Logbook following the completion of 4-weeks of clinical placement.

7b. The end of placement final Clinical Attendance Logbook following the completion of the 8-week clinical placement
block. (This submission documents the final 4-weeks of clinical placement.)

Once students have completed the minimum number of hours, they are required to continue attending placement until
the placement’s prescribed finish date unless an alteration to the standard placement block has been approved by the
Head of Course and the Clinical Supervisor.

Students are advised to refer to the 'Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology Student and Clinical Supervisor Handbook' document for additional information. This document is available through the Work Integrated Learning - Sonia Online site, and the ECHO12005 Moodle site.

All hours worked must be entered into the Clinical Attendance Log Book. This form must be signed by the Clinical Supervisor, or a sonographer delegated this task by the Clinical Supervisor.

- The Clinical Attendance Log Book form is available on the Moodle site.
- Students are advised to print this form and read it carefully so they understand the criteria against which their clinical attendance will be evaluated.

At the end of the scheduled placement, if the student has not met the 100% attendance requirement, opportunity for practicum extension and 'makeup days' will be explored.

- This scheduled make-up time may not immediately follow the scheduled placement, and/or may not be at the same placement site, depending on clinical availability.

100% attendance requirement must be meet and any absence from the scheduled placement requires approval from Head of Course / Unit Coordinator'  or a score a 'FAIL' will be given for this assessment item.

Leave arrangements:
Students must not organise holidays, recreational leave or personal appointments during clinical placement periods.

- Students are to notify the clinical placement site prior to their scheduled start time if they will be late arriving to the clinical placement site for any individual day throughout the clinical placement.
- Students who are absent from clinical placement due to sickness must phone their Clinical Supervisor and email their Unit Coordinator prior to their scheduled start time for that day.
- For all absences, students must provide the Clinical Supervisor and Unit Coordinator with a medical certificate or statutory declaration. Any clinical placement hours lost to sickness must be made up.

Injury:
Students who are absent from clinical placement due to injury must phone their Clinical Supervisor and email their Unit
Coordinator prior to their scheduled start time for that day.

- Any injury that occurs while on placement must be reported immediately to your Clinical Supervisor and Unit Coordinator.
- Medical clearance may be required before returning to placement to ensure fitness to practice.

Any clinical placement hours missed due to injury must be made up.

Public holidays/university vacation periods:
Public holidays recognised by CQUniversity are outlined on the academic calendar.

- When a public holiday falls during a clinical placement block, public holiday dates can be entered as 8 hours for each day into the Attendance Log Book and hours are not required to be made up.
- If a designated University student vacation period coincides with the clinical placement period, students are expected to attend during this time.
- Students are advised that attendance at clinical placement takes precedence over any personal work commitments as related to absenteeism.

Any days absent from the clinical site must be appropriately documented.

COVID-19 disruptions:
Practicum non-attendance due to adherence to government or departmental COVID-19 health and safety directives should be noted in Attendance Log Book by acronym 'CD'.

- Requirement for make-up of days absent due to COVID-19 disruptions (CD), will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis.

On occasion, student clinical placements may be suspended due to COVID-19 government / LGA directives.

- During such times, students with coexistent employment may be able to continue site attendance under scope of practice as an 'essential healthcare worker'.
- Such an arrangement is governed by student-employer contractual arrangements and separate to university clinical placement arrangements.
- Hours of employment completed during these times can be documented on the 'outside clinical placement attendance form', provided experience matches placement learning objectives.

Outside of Clinical Placement hours:
Students are able to record clinical attendance hours completed 'outside' of clinical placement arrangements. These
'outside' attendance hours can be used to supplement those in the assessed Clinical Attendance Log Book in the event
of sickness or injury, but may not be utilised for personal leave requests.

- Students are permitted to supplement up to 25% of required unit hours from outside of clinical placement.
- These hours must be documented within three (3) months prior to unit enrolment for approval by the Unit Coordinator.
- Supplementary hours outside of clinical placement must be verified (signed) by an ASAR accredited sonographer or appropriately qualified medical practitioner.

Details of student insurance or employment, must also be documented on the 'outside clinical placement attendance
form' where practical experience is obtained outside of the university scheduled clinical placement block.

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.

Level of GenAI use allowance:

Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core stills knowledge. 

Students are advised to refer to the 'Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)' document for
additional university guidelines regarding assessments.

In order to achieve an overall grade of PASS for this assessment task, students must:

- Document completion of the minimum number of hours of clinical practicum.
- Ensure log book is signed by the Clinical Supervisor, appropriately qualified medical practitioner, or the cardiac sonographer delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.
- Ensure documentation is submitted by the due date.

In the absence of an approved extension, given there is no opportunity to apply a late penalty, any submission that is
late will be awarded a FAIL.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

- Attend clinical placement as per external accreditation requirements (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry)