How to complete the ARTP Overnight Pulse Oximetry Portfolio

10 August 2022

Portfolio Contents Overview

All candidates that register for the ARTP Sleep Certificate in Overnight Pulse Oximetry are required to complete a portfolio of evidence for assessment purposes.
Candidates must submit only the requested portfolio requirements as detailed below.
All pages in your portfolio must be numbered and recorded on the contents page so they can be easily located by the assessor. All the work must be clearly divided into sections.
All work submitted must be your own

Your portfolio must consist of the following sections:

SECTION A – (No more than 750 words)

The contents page
A short relevant Curriculum Vitae
Details of any prior learning/courses attended on pulse oximetry
Background information about your workplace, which should include:
Local arrangements for pulse oximetry
Method of referral e.g. Consultant, GP.
Number of tests performed (weekly/monthly) and the types of patient you are testing e.g. Sleep disordered breathing, nocturnal hypoventilation, adult, paediatric with rough percentages for each
Where the tests are performed (home, sleep lab) and who reports on the tests

SECTION B – (No more than 1000 words excluding copies of local paperwork)

A copy of your local protocol for performing pulse oximetry (standard operating procedure). This should be a document that you or your team use and not a photocopy of guidelines.
Model(s) and specification of the pulse oximeter(s) used including the sampling rate, and the software used to download the pulse oximeter data.
A description of the pre-test instructions given to the patient prior to attending the department, and the protocol followed when the patient attends the department. Include copies of any local paperwork given to the patient to aid diagnosis / interpretation of the pulse oximetry results. E.g. Patient history sheet, Stop Bang questionnaires.
A brief explanation of how the local paperwork given to the patient may help with the interpretation of the oximetry trace.
A copy/description of your local quality assurance and cleaning protocol

SECTION C – (No more than 750 words)
With the aid of diagrams, describe the way a pulse oximeter estimates arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate, and the limitations of pulse oximetry. Include both external and physiological reasons that could affect the accuracy of the reading.

SECTION D
10 Pulse Oximetry traces that you have downloaded including:

Three technically poor quality traces (with a brief explanation of the problems).
Two traces which required data being excluded (a copy of the unedited trace should also be included)
Each trace should include:
Reason for performing overnight oximetry, patient demographics (including Age/ Height/Weight/Driving Status), relevant medical history and medication, and a summary of why the trace is
a) Poor quality b) Reasons for data being edited c) Reasons you consider it to be a good quality trace.

Enclose all the raw data from the Pulse Oximeter trace along with any locally produced paperwork for that patients study i.e. Feedback concerning the nights’ sleep

Important Information

Please ensure that all patient identifiable data in your portfolio is anonymised. Failure to do so will constitute a breach of patient confidentiality and will result in an automatic fail being awarded.
You must include a signed witness statement from a senior member of staff at the place that you are employed indicating that all of the traces included have been downloaded by you.
Except in the case where organisational policies/procedures are asked for, all work submitted must be your own. Evidence of plagiarism will result in a fail being awarded.
You must ensure any confidential information is removed. This includes all patient identifiers. If you do not comply with this requirement, an automatic fail will be awarded.

Submitting your completed portfolio

On completion, please send the portfolio electronically to development@artp.org.uk. If the file size exceeds 10mb, we kindly request that you submit your portfolio using an online transfer facility such as WeTransfer or Dropbox. Please ensure that all documents are labelled with your name. It is advisable to retain a copy for your records.

Deadline Date

You have 6 months to complete a portfolio and this date includes any reattempts required.

Results

Details of your results will be forwarded to you within 8 - 10 weeks of receiving the above. If you require any further information do not hesitate to contact us on development@artp.org.uk.

Extensions

If you are unable to complete your work by the assigned deadline, please complete this extension form here and email it to development@artp.org.uk before your deadline date.

Reasonable Adjustments

Candidates with impairments or learning difficulties may apply for additional time to complete their portfolio by completing a Special Requirements Form and returning it to development@artp.org.uk

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