Paediatrics Part 2 (Basics of Paediatrics II, Infectious Diseases of Children, Paediatrics Surgery)

Task description: study the specified learning materials and prepares answers to the self-assessment questions on the lesson topic.

Requirements: to be completed individually before the relevant class, using the sources specified in the course.

Assessment criteria: accuracy of knowledge, explanation of key concepts, and justification of the principles of diagnosis, treatment and prevention during the discussion of clinical cases in the practical classes.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment — during the practical class, the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process and the rationale behind the decisions made. Not graded; this does not affect the final grade of the course (weighting – 0 %).

Relevant learning outcomes: Z1–Z4, depending on the topic of the case.

Task description: analyse a clinical case individually or in a group, assess the severity of the child’s condition, formulate a differential diagnosis and develop management algorithm.

Requirements: to be completed individually following the provided structure and submitted by the specified deadline. Conditions regarding the use of sources and reference materials are specified in the assignment.

Assessment criteria: logic of clinical reasoning, accuracy of data interpretation, justification of the choice of investigations and treatment, action priorities, and patient safety.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment — during the practical classes, the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process and the rationale behind the decisions made. Not graded; this does not affect the final grade (weighting — 0%).

Relevant learning outcomes: Z3, P1, 2, P3, K1–K3; Z1, Z2, Z3 or Z4 depending on the topic of the case.

Course description: The final course grade is composed of the grades obtained in the individual modules. These reflect the student’s knowledge, practical skills and ability to justify clinical decisions in accordance with the learning outcomes specified for each module.

Conditions for completion: To receive the final grade, students must complete all compulsory independent tasks for each module and pass the compulsory assessments.

Assessment criteria: Each task and test is assessed according to the criteria specified in the relevant entry. The final grade is calculated from the module grades in accordance with their specified weighting.

Type and weighting of assessment: summative assessment on a 10-point scale. All three modules carry equal weighting — each grade accounts for one third (33⅓ %) of the final course grade.

Calculation of the final grade: the arithmetic mean of the marks for the three modules:

Final grade = (Module 1 grade + Module 2 grade + Module 3 grade) / 3.

The final grade is calculated provided that all three modules have been successfully completed.

Relevant learning outcomes: Z1–Z4, P1–P3, K1–K6, the achievement of which is assessed through individual module assignments (tasks) and tests.

Extracurricular activities: successful participation in the ‘School of Excellence in Paediatrics’, in accordance with the description of each module, may increase the final mark for the module by 1 grade point.

Task description: In the modules ‘Infectious Diseases in Children’ and ‘Paediatric Surgery’, students answer, in writing, theoretical questions on the study material they have learnt independently and self-assessment questions on the topics covered in the lectures, orally – to questions based on clinical cases, justifying diagnostic and therapeutic decisions; whilst in the module “Basics of Paediatrics II”, students present an oral, structured analysis of a clinical case and justify the differential diagnosis, as well as the plan for investigation, treatment and follow-up care. In the module ‘Infectious Diseases in Children’, students complete an online multiple-choice (MCQ) test in ‘open-book’ mode on a date set by the department, covering lecture material and clinical scenarios. The test assesses students’ understanding of the lecture material and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Assessment: ‘pass/fail’.

Conditions of assessment: the written test is taken individually at a specified time; the oral test is conducted individually following a standardised case analysis structure. The format and number of questions, as well as permitted aids, are specified in the examination instructions.

Assessment criteria:

• Clinical logic and justification of choices – assesses the ability to analyse the patient’s situation systematically, select an appropriate algorithm for action, and logically justify one’s choices in both open-ended questions and MCQs with justification (maximum 4 points);
• Accuracy of knowledge and data interpretation, and prioritisation of actions – assesses how accurately the answers reflect current guidelines, terminology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prevention (maximum 3 points);
• Quality of reasoning and presentation of answers, including language – assessed on how clearly the justifications are formulated, whether they are supported by clinical logic or evidence, and whether they are superficial or oversimplified; also assessed on the correct use of medical terminology (maximum 2 points);
• Signs of excellence – assesses whether knowledge, skills and competence exceed the requirements for completing the study module and demonstrate the ability to carry out independent additional research into the problem (maximum 1 point).

Assessment method and weighting: summative assessment on a 10-point scale, evaluating the entire set of answers according to four criteria:

• clinical logic and justification of choices — up to 4 points;
• accuracy of knowledge — up to 3 points;
• quality of reasoning and presentation of the answer — up to 2 points;
• signs of excellence — up to 1 point.

Total — 10 points. At least 4 points to get a pass grade. The written test accounts for 50% of the module’s final grade.

Relevant learning outcomes: Z1–Z4, P1–P3, K1–K3, depending on the content of the examination and the topic of the clinical case.

Task description: takes a medical history, carries out physical examination and assesses the child’s condition either in the presence of the patient or based on a clinical case description, including the degree of dehydration/hypovolaemia or the level of risk in the event of a fever, and selects the appropriate course of action.

Conditions of performance: carried out individually under the supervision of a tutor in a clinical setting or in a simulation, following a standardised task description.

Assessment criteria: recognition of clinical signs, accuracy in assessing the severity of the condition, evaluation of the course of action, communication and respect for the child’s rights.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment is used in practical sessions — the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process, sequence of actions and justification of decisions. No mark is awarded; weighting in the final assessment — 0%.

The analysis of clinical cases is additionally assessed summatively in a written and oral test according to specified criteria: clinical logic and the justification of choices, accuracy of knowledge, quality of argumentation and signs of excellence. The grade is included in the overall grade for the written and oral tests on a 10-point scale; the written examination accounts for 50% of the module’s final grade.

Relevant learning outcomes: P1, P2, K1, K4, K5.

Task description: Demonstrates age-appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ventilation using a mask and a self-inflating resuscitation bag.

Conditions of performance: Carried out individually in a simulation using an appropriate manikin and equipment.

Assessment criteria: sequence of actions, technical accuracy, calling for assistance, performance of ventilation and chest compressions, as well as compliance with the specified safety criteria.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment is used in practical classes – the lecturer and students provide feedback on the clinical reasoning process, sequence of actions and the rationale behind decisions. The student must receive confirmation from the lecturer that the skill has been mastered. Not graded; weighting in the final assessment: 0%.

Relevant learning outcomes: P2, K1, K3.

Task description: Demonstrate the placement and removal of skin sutures as specified in the course.

Conditions of performance: Carried out individually using a simulation. The types of sutures to be assessed and the time limit are specified in the task.

Assessment criteria: use of instruments, adherence to aseptic principles, technical execution of sutures, preservation of tissue and safe removal of sutures.

Method of assessment: Acquisition of practical skills under the supervision of the lecturer – skin suturing techniques and suture removal. The student must obtain the lecturer’s confirmation that the skill has been mastered.

Weighting in the overall assessment: 0% – mastery of the skill is a compulsory requirement of the course but does not form part of the course’s summative assessment.

Relevant learning outcomes: P3

Task description: demonstrate professional conduct, respectful communication, respect for children’s rights, and the ability to use the received feedback.

Conditions of performance: assessed during classes according to criteria previously explained to students, with feedback provided.

Assessment criteria: responsible fulfilment of duties, respect, honesty, empathy, confidentiality, appropriate communication and responsiveness to feedback.

Type and weighting of assessment: formative assessment, observing the student’s conduct, for example, adherence to confidentiality, respectful communication and the use of feedback provided during classes, whilst giving individual feedback in accordance with the specified criteria. Assessment is expressed individually as ‘meets requirements’ or ‘needs improvement’, specifying particular areas for improvement. Not graded; weighting in the final module assessment - 0%. If improvements are required, the necessary actions are agreed upon and reassessed in subsequent sessions.

Relevant learning outcomes: K4–K6