Thursday, 29 th March 2012 heralded a new development for cardiac physiologists in Wales. The inaugural conference of Cardiac Physiology Cymru was hosted by Swansea University s College of Human and Health Sciences, in collaboration with University of Glamorgan, South Wales Cardiac Network and the Welsh Cardiac Physiology Group. The event was held in the beautiful surroundings of Sketty Hall in Swansea and was attended by over 100 cardiac physiologists of all grades from around Wales. The event was generously supported by Medtronic, Biotronik, Cook Medical, Ambu, Boston Scientific, Philips Healthcare, St Jude Medical, APC Cardiovascular, GE Healthcare, Medical Graphics UK Ltd, and Spacelabs Healthcare. The exciting full-day programme included speakers from the world of cardiology in Wales and around the UK, an exhibition area and a poster display. The theme for the day was whatever you re into, get into rhythm, and the aim was to highlight the importance of advanced ECG interpretation and rhythm diagnosis/management to all cardiac physiologists, regardless of their specialism. The varied programme catered for all and the registration process allowed each physiologist to select an individual group of sessions which were most appropriate for them. Emma Rees, BSc Clinical Physiology (cardiology) programme manager from Swansea University (and conference chair), launched the event by making the welcome address. Emma noted that the committee were particularly pleased to have a programme that included assistant and associate grades as well as integrated sessions for those specialising in devices or echo. A warm welcome was extended to the delegates and speakers, and to the unexpected appearance of the sun in Wales! From left; Dave Richley (speaker), Dr Chris Eggett (speaker), Emma Rees (conference chair), Lynda McGurk (speaker)
The conference began with keynote speaker, Dr Chris Eggett. Chris is the cardiac physiology manager from the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and has been actively involved with the Department of Health and the Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC) process. He gave a fascinating talk on the evolution of roles in cardiac physiology, from the beginnings of the profession in the 1950s to the opportunities and challenges facing the 21 st century physiologist. The audience were particularly interested in the English perspective of MSC and the issues that would no doubt face the departments of Wales in the not too distant future. The session stimulated a significant number of interesting questions and debate which were explored further in the Welsh Cardiac Physiology Group question and answer session. The Welsh Cardiac Physiology Group AGM was the first session for qualified staff and nominations were sought for the vacant posts of vice-president and treasurer. Following the AGM, Lynda McGurk gave the delegates an outline of the work of the Welsh Scientific Advisory Group (WSAC) Clinical Physiology Sub-committee, emphasising its importance as a conduit of communication between clinical physiologists and the Welsh Government. An update of the implementation of MSC in Wales was given by Tim Ruck, Head of the Cardiology Department in the Aneurin Bevan LHB and lead physiologist for a profession-specific group for implementation of MSC in Wales. This was followed by an MSC question and answer session. The expert panel consisted of Christine Morrell (Scientific Officer for the Welsh Government), Chris Eggett, Tim Ruck and Lynda McGurk (Lead Cardiac Physiologist for Wales), all of whom have been involved in the MSC implementation process. The MSC expert panel preparing for the Q&A session. From left: Lynda McGurk, Dr Chris Eggett, Tim Ruck and Chris Morrell Meanwhile, the session for assistant and associate practitioners was underway. Dave Richley works as a cardiac physiology lecturer practitioner in the North East of England Cardiovascular Network, and has a particular passion for ensuring everyone performs and interprets ECGs accurately. Dave outlined his work which explored the accuracy of chest electrode positions by other healthcare professionals, and how proper training can improve practice, avoiding misdiagnosis in many cases.
This was enthusiastically supported by the audience. Dave also gave another well-received talk, entitled Don t miss the MI. Over lunch, the delegates visited the exhibition hall and the poster display, while also networking in the beautiful sunny gardens of Sketty Hall. Delegates enjoying the March sunshine over lunch! After lunch, Dr Rob Bleasdale, consultant Cardiologist at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, gave an excellent presentation aimed at highly specialist cardiac physiologists wishing to perform a more detailed clinical assessment of patients in new services such as physiologist-led arrhythmia clinics. The presentation focused on symptoms of palpitations and syncope. It was clear to the audience that a systematic approach to history taking and detailed differential diagnosis of symptoms are vital skills in selecting appropriate investigations and formulating a suitable treatment plan for each individual patient. Meanwhile, Dr Peter O Callaghan and Dr Richard Wheeler gave two very informative presentations. Dr O Callaghan, consultant Cardiologist in the University Hospital of Wales (UHW), Cardiff, is a heart rhythm specialist. He led an interactive session on advanced ECG interpretation which focused on the differential diagnosis of tachycardias; participation in the session was keen with everyone voting on each ECG example. Dr O Callaghan was followed by Dr Richard Wheeler, also a consultant cardiologist at UHW, who discussed the diagnosis and management of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. A particular focus of this session was the use of ECG interpretation in the differential diagnosis and the importance of accurate and standardised echo measurements of the right ventricle. During the afternoon break, Dr Eggett judged the posters. There was an encouraging number of posters presented by qualified and trainee physiologists from around Wales. Many of the trainees shared the findings of their dissertation. The winner was Gareth Davies, a final year student of the University of Glamorgan, employed at the University Hospital of Wales. His poster was entitled Radiotherapy and Implantable Cardiac Devices: Effects and Follow-Up. Results of Clinical Audit. Gareth won an 80 book voucher and is already working though his wish-list!
Poster prize winner Gareth Davies with Dr Chris Eggett During the final session delegates could choose to attend a device case studies session aimed at students and newly qualified physiologists, or a session detailing the experience of a physiologist-led arrhythmia clinic. Andy Penney is the Device Service Manager at University Hospital of Wales, with 25 years of experience in cardiology. He showed how technology, the approach to device testing, and the role of the cardiac physiologist has evolved over the past 25 years. The case studies showed how cardiac devices can be used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes. They also demonstrated how inexperience or lack of knowledge can hinder both physiologists and medical staff when analysing devices. His presentation concluded with a look at what is expected of grade 5, 6 and 7 physiologists with respect to device analysis. Delegates were keen to discuss the latest advances in technology with exhibitors from industry Suzanne Churchill is the Head of Clinical Physiology in Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (West) and is based in the tertiary cardiac centre at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. Suzanne shared her experiences of setting up, establishing and maintaining a physiologist-led arrhythmia clinic. In these times of increasing diagnostic waiting lists, this clinic has shown itself to be efficient
not only economically, but for the patient, who now does not need to wait for a medical consultation to access investigations such as ambulatory monitoring. The session generated many questions and a healthy discussion on the challenges that may face any physiologist wishing to follow in Suzanne s footsteps and set up a clinic in their own department. Shane Exton, Non-Invasive Services Manager at UHW (and member of the organising committee), closed the conference by thanking all the speakers for their contribution to a very successful day. As one person commented on their evaluation form a brilliant event, well organised and very interesting. Most beneficial. Shane Exton (Chair of the Welsh Cardiac Physiology Group) enjoying the relaxed mood of the day! It is evident that the Cardiac Physiology Cymru Conference committee has set a very high standard with this first conference, and judging by the positive comments from the delegates, Welsh cardiac physiologists will continue to benefit from an annual conference that aims to educate and inform in relaxed surroundings, where debate and discussion is encouraged. CP Cymru Organising Committee (alphabetically): Shane Exton, Cardiff & Vale UHB Mel Haworth, BHF CP Trainer Emma Rees, Swansea University (Conference Chair) Angela Sims, University of Glamorgan Sue Wilshere, South Wales Cardiac Network Angela Sims on behalf of the CP Cymru organising committee April 2012