Course overview
This course will provide the student with a sound knowledge of practical cardiac ultrasound scanning, including the appropriate use of instrumentation, patient care, measurements, reporting, and the application of evidence-based best practice and use of advanced techniques to optimise the clinical diagnosis. Development of an appropriate imaging strategy to perform cardiac ultrasounds safety and confidently, using prior knowledge to extend the normal examination for various pathologies, as well as the development of research skills to support the translation of identified best practice into the clinical environment
Course learning outcomes
- Autonomously plan and describe an echocardiographic examination using advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, normal and abnormal sonographic appearances, ultrasound physics and image optimisation.
- Use independent and expert judgement to select appropriate echocardiographic examination methods to match the clinical setting and patient requirements in accordance with organisational procedures, professional standards, and evidence based practice.
- Generate an accurate record of the echocardiographic examination and the clinical findings and effectively communicate those findings using appropriate terminology to specialist audiences and to the patient.
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of the appropriate use of ultrasound instrumentation, including advanced echocardiographic techniques, through appropriate machine settings to allow appropriate interpretation of images.
- Appraise and apply relevant professional ethical standards in echocardiographic examinations to deliver consistent, safe, and patient centered services.
- Demonstrate continual progression through supervised clinical training requirements.
- Engage in research by developing a research proposal or clinical audit to integrate research findings into professional practice