Neonatal Haemodynamics (Online)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Critically analyse, synthesise, and apply current evidence relating to therapeutic interventions used in the management of neonatal haemodynamic instability and circulatory compromise
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of fetal circulation, transitional changes at birth, and the developmental anatomy and physiology of the neonatal circulatory system at different post-conceptional ages
• Critically apply haemodynamic knowledge, physiological principles, and current evidence to complex neonatal clinical situations, demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning and judgement through evaluation of assessment findings and management options.
• Critically evaluate ethical, cultural, and resource considerations in the management of complex neonatal haemodynamic conditions, synthesising these factors to inform context-sensitive and collaborative clinical practice

The following topic areas will be included: Fetal Circulation and Early Transition - Fetal Physiology of the Cardiovascular system - Transitional Changes at birth (Term and Preterm infants) - Regulation of Vascular Tone during Transition - Consequences of early umbilical cord clamping - The Role of Shunts in determining cardiac output - Myocardial Function and the preterm neonatal circulation Low Blood Flow States (Includes management of septic shock - Relationship between arterial blood pressure and systemic blood flow - Causes of low blood flow states in neonates - Clinical assessment of the adequacy of the cardiovascular system - Use of neonatal echocardiography to guide management of low blood flow states - Approach to a preterm infant with circulatory compromise Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Preterm Infant - Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Ductus Arteriosus (DA) - Association between a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and morbidity/mortality. - Haemodynamic and Clinical Effects of a PDA - Diagnosis of a PDA (Clinical, Echocardiography and Biomarkers) - Management of the preterm PDA (conservative, medical prophylactic/early, surgical) Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) - Mediators of circulatory transition at birth - Pathophysiology of PPHN - Aetiology and classification of PPHN - Clinical and Echocardiography diagnosis of PPHN - Management of PPHN (Supportive, iNO, adjuvant medical therapy) - ECMO in PPHN - Management of PPHN in infants with HIE - Management of hypotension in PPHN - Management of pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants - Long-term outcome Approach to an infant with suspected congenital heart disease (CHD) - Clinical features and assessment of CHD in Neonates - Echocardiography and term preterm CHD - Approach to management (Term and Preterm) - Outcome of infants with CHD - Common neonatal arrhythmias - Neonatal cardiomyopathies Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography (TNE) - Role of TNE in neonatal intensive care - Indications of TNE - Basic echocardiography windows and views

The module adopts a learner-centred, evidence-informed approach to teaching and learning, designed to promote active engagement, critical thinking, and the application of theoretical knowledge to contemporary neonatal haemodynamic practice. Learning activities encourage students to develop advanced clinical reasoning, critically evaluate current evidence, and apply their understanding of neonatal cardiovascular physiology to complex clinical situations. Core theoretical content will be delivered through the bespoke Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) using a combination of online learning resources, guided reading, narrated presentations, and structured learning activities. Students will be expected to engage independently with these materials before applying their learning through facilitated discussion and case-based activities. Students will be allocated to small discussion groups of approximately 10–15 participants. Each group will be supported by two experienced tutors who will facilitate discussion, encourage critical reflection, and support the integration of physiological principles and evidence with clinical practice. Discussion activities will use authentic neonatal case scenarios to explore relevant topics on neonatal haemodynamics. Most discussions will be asynchronous, allowing students the flexibility to engage alongside professional commitments while encouraging thoughtful reflection and interaction with peers. In addition, groups will participate in periodic synchronous online sessions using platforms such as Microsoft Teams, providing opportunities for collaborative learning, discussion of complex clinical scenarios, and clarification of key concepts. Where appropriate, plenary sessions and guest lectures delivered by subject experts will complement the core learning materials. These sessions will provide opportunities to explore emerging research and advances in neonatal cardiovascular care, haemodynamic assessment and management. A comprehensive range of learning resources, including access to subject-specific electronic library resources, clinical guidelines, research literature, and multimedia resources, will be available throughout the module.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

MCQ-applied knowledge assessment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: A selection of practice MCQs will be available within the module online assessment office to provide insight into the type of questions that will be used in the exam. You should use these to gain insight into the structure of the questions and also the feedback you receive will consolidate your learning.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Discussion board activity

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Half way through the module the online discussion assessment rubric will be used to provide you with iterative qualitative and quantitative formative feedback and feedforward. This feedback will be completed by your Group Tutors and reviewed by the module lead before being emailed to you. This feedback will help you prepare for the second part of the module with regard to your online activity and participation.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.