Description:

This course is an introduction to the history of sleep medicine. It also explores the role and the communication, time management, infection control, basic patient assessment, safety and professional expectations of the polysomnographic technologist. Students will have the opportunity to have direct observation in an associated sleep center or lab. Enrollment in certain courses may require a professional liability fee of $16.00. Students will be notified via their JCCC student e-mail account if the fee is due and instructions on how to pay the fee. 4 hrs. integrated lecture/lab each week and 48 clinical hrs./semester

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $50 to $150.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Provide a synopsis of the history and current practice of sleep medicine.
2. Identify the role expectations of the polysomnographic technologist.
3. Describe the ethical and professional behavior expectations of the polysomnographic technologist.
4. Describe and demonstrate applicable personal and patient safety and comfort measures.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. History and Overview of Sleep Medicine
   A. Summarize the scope of practice of sleep medicine and technology
   B. Describe the nosology of sleep medicine and technology, and its
evolution
   C. Define common technical terms used in the field of sleep medicine
   D. Give examples of the signs and symptoms of the major categories of
sleep disorders
   E. Discuss therapeutic modalities (mechanical, pharmacological,
behavioral, surgical) related to sleep medicine.

II. Role of the Polysomnographic Technologist 
   A. Describe the typical job responsibilities and the personal and
professional expectations of a polysomnographic technologist 
   B. Explain the purpose of the professional, accreditation and licensing
agencies associated with the sleep profession, including the AASM, APT,
CAAHEP, and BRPT.
   C. Discuss the importance of adhering to the BRPT Standards of Conduct
for polysomnographic technologist.
   D. Identify possible employment venues for the polysomnographic
technologist
   E. Determine the differences between sleep disorder centers and labs
and the associated accreditation implications.
   F. Identify the scope of services that may be offered in a sleep
disorder center or lab
   G. Describe typical staffing patterns for polysomnographic
technologists.
   H. Describe the roles of other key members of the health care team in a
sleep setting
   I. Relate knowledge of circadian rhythms to personal safety issues
associated with shift work.
   J. Practice appropriate verbal, non-verbal, and written communication
expected of a polysomnographic technologist.
   K. Adapt communication to meet the needs of special patient
populations.

III. Ethics and Professional Behavior of the Polysomnographic
Technologist
   A. Discuss the professional ethical and legal expectations of the
polysomnographic profession
   B. Discuss strategies to address ethical and legal situations that may
be encountered by the polysomnographic technologist
   C. Describe the rules, phases, and associated terminology of clinical
research.
   D. Describe the role of the polysomnographic technologist in clinical
research.
   E. Describe appropriate interactions between polysomnographic
technologist and patient and other health professionals.
   F. Identify stress factors that may be part of a polysomnographic
technologist’s work and possible mechanisms for relief.

IV. General Safety and Patient Comfort Considerations
   A. Demonstrate application of good body mechanics principles. 
   B. Describe and demonstrate appropriate patient positioning for
therapeutic procedures and patient comfort.
   C. Adapt safety and patient comfort measures to meet the needs of
special patient populations.
   D. Describe common infectious agents and the associated route of
transmission.
   E. Describe and demonstrate appropriate universal precautions, fire and
electrical safety and equipment cleaning and sterilization procedures.
   F. Recall and demonstrate, as indicated, the appropriate measures to
treat cardiopulmonary collapse according to BLS protocols.
   G. Demonstrate appropriate bag-valve-mask ventilation and oxygen
cylinder safety.
   H. Recognize situations that require the use of suction and management
of artificial airways.
   I. Describe and demonstrate adherence to maintaining medical
confidentiality and HIPAA protections. 
   J. Identify the main point to be reviewed in a patient record and
covered in a patient interview.
   K. Apply appropriate medical terminology in describing patient signs
and symptoms and assessment findings.
   L. Demonstrate the ability to assess patient vital signs.
   M. List and apply the normal ranges, units of measure, related
abbreviations and the medical terms indicating abnormal results for the
vital sign parameters.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Written examinations     70-90% of total grade
Assignments              10-30% of total grade
Lab Competencies and Clinic Practice Satisfactory on Satisfactory/ Needing
Improvement evaluation by the instructor
Grading Scale:

A  =   92-100%   
B  =   83-91%   
C  =   75-82%* 
D  =   67-74% 
F  =    0 - 66%

*minimum required to continue in program

Caveats:

1. Students will have provided proof of health conducive to being in a health care environment. In addition, drug screening and other requirements may be imposed by clinical agencies. Students are responsible for any and all costs related to their health care or other imposed requirements.
2. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from scheduled clinical activities.
3. Students are expected to comply with the JCCC Student Code of Conduct as detailed in the JCCC College Catalog. Failure to comply may result in a faculty decision regarding program promotion and constitute a reason to fail the course.
4. Students are expected to comply with the appearance, attendance and other program policies described in the Program Administrative Guideline Handbook.
5. A grade of “C” or better is required for the course for program promotion to subsequent polysomnography course work.
6. Students will need basic word processing and Internet skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.