Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases with Outpatient Consultations (RBI_012)

1.• examine and assess the clinical symptoms characteristic of infectious diseases and syndromes in children of different ages;
• create a patient’s individual diagnostic and treatment algorithm
• properly collect material for laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases and evaluate the obtained results, taking into consideration the nature of the method and the age of the child;
• choose the specific diagnostic methods to evaluate the level of their information and, application time;
• plan infection control measures;
• vaccinate and perform dermal testing.
The following competences are essential, but not exhaustive (the spectrum of the competences may be expanded, if preconditions occur during the course of the studies):
Consult patients and families:
• collect anamnesis
• perform physical examination appropriate for the age
• evaluate the growth and development
• evaluate nutrition
• evaluate the psychological state
• perform clinical evaluation and make a decision
• give explanations and advice
• encourage and provide professional support.
Evaluate clinical manifestations, prescribe the examination, diagnose and agree upon the treatment plan:
• recognize and evaluate the severity of the clinical manifestations
• perform a differential diagnosis
• consider child protection issues
• order the required investigations and interpret the results
• consult with multidisciplinary professionals
• agree upon a suitable health problem management plan with patients and caregivers.
Immediately provide care for children in emergency situations, including, first aid and resuscitation measures:
• recognize and evaluate acute paediatric emergency assistance problem
• provide basic first aid
• provide acute paediatric emergency care
• provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation for new-borns and children in accordance with the current European guidelines
• provide basic information in cases of trauma in accordance with the current European guidelines.
Prescribe nutrition, medications, fluids and blood products:
• clearly determine nutrition, medications, fluids and blood products
• coordinate nutrition, medications, fluids and blood products in the clinical context
• review the compliance with treatment and assess the possible benefits and risks
• treat pain and suffering.
Perform practical activities:
A Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist is competent in many practical manipulations (see the list of manipulations), which are performed on infants, children, teenagers.
For any of these manipulation, an ability must be shown to:
• provide relevant information to the child and parents
• if necessary obtain an informed consent
• use as minimally invasive procedures as possible
• reduce pain and suffering
• use appropriate hygiene and infection control measures
• make appropriate records in the medical documentation regarding manipulations.
Effectively communicate with the child in the context of infectious diseases
• communicate with infants, children and adolescents
• communicate with carer and relatives
• communicate with other multidisciplinary professionals
• provide continuity of care
• stop or reduce bad news, by explaining them skilfully
• communicate with disabled children and youngsters
• communicate with those who need the assistance of an interpreter
• search and obtain an informed consent, if necessary
• communicate in writing, including medical documentation, telephone and other means of communication
• act adequately in cases when experiencing aggression
Apply ethical and legal principles to the practice of paediatrics
• apply the principles of ethics and analysis to clinical care and research
• apply the national and European Union legislation to clinical care and research
• protect children’s rights in accordance with The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, legislation of the Republic of Latvia
• maintain confidentiality
• evaluate the patient's ability to give consent
• obtain and record the informed consent of a person
• provide information on organ donation
• confirm death
• prepare a request for autopsy
Evaluate the psychological and social aspects of the patient’s disease
• evaluate the impact of psychological factors on the manifestations of the disease
• evaluate the impact of social factors on the manifestations of the disease
• evaluate the impact of the patient’s health condition on school and education
• discover disease related stress in children, their families or caregivers
• discover alcohol and drug use and addiction
• collaborate with the relevant colleagues in a timely manner
Apply evidence- based medical knowledge, principles and skills
• use evidence in practice
• identify and perform appropriate literature search
• critically evaluate the published medical literature
Effectively use information and information technology in the context of paediatrics
• prepare the clinical documentation accurately, fully and in a timely manner
• be able to access international scientific information of paediatrics
• save and obtain information
Be able to apply scientific principles, methods and knowledge in practice of paediatrics and research
• apply scientific principles to paediatric practice
• analyse and disseminate research results
• demonstrate understanding of research design and methodology, including the statistical analysis
Promote the health of an individual and the public, effectively participate in the healthcare system
• comply with the national screening, monitoring and immunization programmes
• take measures to prevent the spread of infection
• evaluate the patient’s diet and provide useful advice regarding healthy nutrition, be able to manage obesity and insufficient weight cases
• identify disease or injury risks for children and manage them accordingly
• promote patient’s safety and accident prevention
• ensure compliance with professional certification practice
• demonstrate understanding of the structure, organisation and functioning of the healthcare system, in the context of their workplace
Perform their work professionally
Professional qualities
• honesty, decency and ethical obligations
• commitment to maintain good practice, care for quality
• critical and self-critical skills, reflective practice
• empathy
• initiative
• interpersonal communication skills
Professional work
• recognize one’s limits and ask for help
• work independently, if necessary
• solve problems
• make decisions
• work in multidisciplinary groups
• communicate with experts who do not represent medical disciplines
• show leadership skills
• be able to adapt to new situations and perform in conditions of uncertainty
• be able to organize and plan, including, understand time management
• make informed career choices, including paediatric sector specialization
Perform the functions of an expert in paediatric infectious diseases
• be able to carry out analysis and synthesis
• be able to learn (including lifelong learning and self-education) and apply knowledge to practice
• show teaching skills
• apply research skills
Perform the functions of Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist in the world context
• understand diversity and multiculturalism
• understand different cultures and customs of immigrants
• demonstrate understanding of the local language and culture
• be able to work in an international context
• responsible attitude towards the environment and its resources