The aim of this 30 credit module, General Medical Ultrasound in Practice, is to provide you with the knowledge base to become a proficient practitioner in the field of general medical ultrasound. 

Careers / Further study

This module can contribute towards the MSc Medical Ultrasound.

Content

This level 7 (Masters level) module will enable you to explore the efficiency and efficacy of ultrasound practice of general medical ultrasound. Professional practice forms an integral part of the module, thus facilitating the application of theoretical principles to practice.

This module provides you with an academic foundation in order to undertake the practice of medical ultrasound in a professional manner within an ethical and legal framework. It also includes interpersonal skills, the principles of verbal and written reporting concurrent with approaches to decision making and accurate record keeping.

The module syllabus typically includes:

• Applied anatomy, physiology and pathology related to general medical ultrasound practice; role of ultrasound as a screening procedure
• Interpretation of biochemical and other invasive or non-invasive screening/diagnostic tests, issues relating to the holistic preparation and care of the patient
• Role of ultrasound in the overall management of the patient.
• Ultrasound appearances of normal and abnormal anatomy, to include anatomical variants.
• Range of ultrasound techniques for external and intra-cavity procedures
• Doppler studies
• Contrast agents
• Complementary and/or alternative imaging techniques
• 4D Scanning Interpretation and recording of examination data
• Safety guidelines, protocols and legislation
• Contemporary research and developments in ultrasound
• Techniques related to ultrasound imaging of abdominal and pelvic contents
• Genito-urinary system
• Hepato-biliary system
• Pancreas
• Lymphatic system
• Peritoneum
• Vascular
• Digestive system
• Male and female reproductive systems
• Normal and abnormal appearances of the female pelvis
• Techniques related to ultrasound imaging of non-abdominal superficial structures
• Thyroid; breast; soft-tissues; musculo-skeletal; vascular; testes; salivary glands.

Paediatric ultrasound techniques

• Ultrasound of the thorax
• Pleural and pericardial effusions

Legal and ethical issues

• General legal and ethical principles relating to the practice of General Medical Ultrasound

Professional and employment issues relating to General Medical Ultrasound practice

• Professionalism and professionalisation
• Work related upper limb disorders
• Ergonomics

Communication

• Importance of effective communication, listening skills, verbal/non verbal communication and self-awareness
• Issues of confidentiality and counselling models

Reporting

• Principles of verbal and written reporting, approaches to decision making, record keeping Influences of information technology on database development and use of information
• Work related upper limb disorders

Learning and Teaching

Scheduled learning constitutes 112 hours of the overall module total, and includes lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops; external visits; work based learning; supervised practise time in scanning room.

Independent learning includes a minimum of 188 hours engaged with activities such as essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion, computer assisted learning; simulator scanning, reflection on learning.

Placement learning includes clinical practice placements are negotiated and organised by the student, but should include a minimum of 15 hours a week of supervised scanning for the duration of the module.

Study time

Contact time may include any of the following activities: Lectures; class discussions; tutorials, synchronous on-line discussion boards; seminars; clinical placement visits; medical museum visit; laboratory hands-on clinical practice using a simulator and real-life models; VLE using e-Blackboard.

Lectures will be provided by the Course Team and by external clinical specialists. Classroom sessions will also include hands-on scanning supervised sessions and review of cases. Discussion groups will be organised covering a range of relevant topics

Assessment

Assessment for this module comprises:

• completion of a Clinical Portfolio to include summative clinical assessments
• a Structured Oral and Practical Examination (SOPE).