Patient Monitoring Fundamentals and Safety
This course provides an essential introduction to the world of patient physiological monitoring, beginning with an overview of common vital signs and the various technologies used to measure them. Students will learn about the fundamental electrical and mechanical principles underpinning monitoring devices, including signal acquisition, processing, and display. Emphasis is placed on understanding the operational workflow, from device setup and patient connection to data interpretation and alarm management. The curriculum covers critical safety protocols, including electrical safety, infection control, and environmental considerations, ensuring technicians can support monitoring systems without compromising patient or staff well-being. Practical application of safety standards, troubleshooting basic operational issues, and performing routine preventative checks on diverse monitoring platforms are integrated throughout, preparing students to confidently contribute to patient care environments.
InstructorJacob CalhounCourse outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Introduction to Physiological Monitoring: Scope and Importance","Week 2: Basic Concepts of Vital Signs and their Clinical Significance","Week 3: Principles of Signal Acquisition and Transducer Technology","Week 4: Understanding Display Interfaces and Data Interpretation","Week 5: Electrical Safety in the Patient Environment","Week 6: Infection Control Protocols for Monitoring Equipment","Week 7: Safe Operation and Device Configuration Best Practices","Week 8: Alarm Management and Alert System Fundamentals","Week 9: Environmental Considerations for Monitoring Equipment Deployment","Week 10: Introduction to Preventative Maintenance for Monitoring Systems","Week 11: Basic Troubleshooting Techniques for Common Monitoring Issues","Week 12: Documentation Standards for Equipment Maintenance and Repair","Week 13: Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance in Monitoring","Week 14: Review and Comprehensive Safety Case Studies"]