​​​​​​​​​The BScMedScHons (Hyperbaric Medicine) degree programme​​Module 2: Operational Hyperbaric MedicineBrief description:Second of four modules in the hyperbaric medicine degree programmeTheoretical training provided via the internet - web-based guidance through the text book and other downloadable documents.Contact time of seven days - usually includes a weekend.Practical training on the hyperbaric medical operations, including chamber managementTraining outcomes:After successful completion of this module, the candidate will be able to manage a patient in a hyperbaric chamber, and act as manager of such patients.  The person will be able to deal with all common hyperbaric emergencies.Theoretical training:Texbook: "Handbook on Hyperbaric Medicine" - by Daniel Mathieu (Ed).ISBN: 1-4020-4376-7This book is available for purchase from many online dealers, e.g. Best Publishing or Amazon.The textbook addresses the detail knowledge expected of candidates and the training is from the perspective of practical operations in hyperbaric medicine.  Additional material is available for download for this module.The students are guided through the textbook by means of prescribed readings of certain chapters in the textbook and additional downloads where certain themes are not covered adequately in the textbook.  This can be done at any time and place the student prefers, as well as at a pace that is comfortable.  You can test your knowledge by completing online self-tests (with specific guidance in the case of incorrect answers) and after a theme is mastered, you can write the summative assessment for that specific theme (each summative assessment ranges between 5 minutes and 20 minutes). Practical training:Practical training is extensive and contains the following elements:Evaluation of patients for HBO therapyManagement of simulated chamber emergenciesExtensive training in chamber attendanceTraining in chamber operationRisk assessments and safety management of a hyperbaric facilityChamber hygiene proceduresAfter completion of the theoretical (WebStudies) training and contact session, the students will have to complete a logbook with specific outcomes that should be obtained at any hyperbaric facility (prior accreditation of the facility is required).Entry requirements:Each prospective candidate must:have the MBChB degree or any other equivalent degree that enables him or her to register as a medical practitioner.be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, or an equivalent international professional body that registers medical practitioners (e.g. GMC in the UK)have completed his/ her internship year(s).have successfully completed the Basic Hyperbaric Medicine module, or an equivalent training course that provides recognition of prior learning.be medically fit (certified by a competent Hyperbaric or Diving Medical Practitioner or equivalent) to partake in hyperbaric exposureshave access to the internet or the ability to gain accessbe able to browse the internet training siteThe following are NOT requirements:Being a diver (recreational or commercial)Observers:Persons who do not meet the requirements for entry into the module may in specific circumstances be allowed to participate in the module as an observer.  These circumstances are:Should have a medically-related qualification (e.g. nursing care or emergency care)Must be actively involved in a hyperbaric medical practice with a medical practitioner (e.g. helping with side-room investigations or chamber treatments)Must have a referral letter from a hyperbaric medical practitioner (including motivation for attendance)Subject to an interview with the programme coordinator.Note 1: Observers may NOT receive ANY certification when attending the module.  The person attends the module purely for personal enrichment.  Certificates of attendance are NOT issued!Note 2: Observers are by definition not medical practitioners.  This module trains medical practitioners to apply knowledge they already have (e.g. resuscitation skills, performance of invasive procedures, etc.).  Students who do not at least have a basic knowledge of these will either waste their own time because they don't understand what is presented in class, or they would want to ask a lot of questions in class, which will waste the time of the attendees.​Logistical help provided:Once a student is registered for the degree programme (or a module), (s)he will have secure access to the WebStudies programme.  Various links provide information for students regarding accommodation options that we suggest, as well as general information about the contact time.Specific links are available for international students, telling them all about the weather, money matters, visa requirements and resources, etc.Examination:The examination of this module is done in various stages.  The first stage is done via Webstudies (summative assessments).  On the last day of the contact session the students will also write a theoretical examination.  Last-mentioned consists of a number of practical problems that should be solved (paper-exercises) as well as theoretical questions relating to operational medical support and occupational health principles.Students enrolled for the degree programme will write an examination at the end of their study period, to test their ability to integrate knowledge across all of the modules.Certification:Students who successfully complete the module, will receive:Certificate of competency from the Stellenbosch UniversityCertificate of competency from the European College of Baromedicine.CPD/ CME certificate from the Stellenbosch UniversityAccreditation:This module is accredited with:The South African Department of EducationThe European College of Baromedicine (ECB)The European College for Hyperbaric Medicine. (ECHM)The Stellenbosch University for CPD pointsRecognition of Prior Learning (RPL):RPL is provided to any candidate who had previously done a course or training programme in diving medicine.  The Stellenbosch University has specific policies and procedures relating to RPL of a student.  Contact the programme coordinator for more information. Persons who have successfully completed a previous hyperbaric medicine course usually ask for RPL for such training to gain entry into this module.Contact details:For more information, please contact Dr Jack Meintjes, the programme coordinator:Att: Dr WAJ (Jack) MeintjesDepartment of Interdisciplinary Health SciencesCommunity HealthPO Box 241CAPE TOWN8000South AfricaTel: +27 21 938-9272email: wajm@sun.ac.za​