Generic Information
• Limited to 5 candidates per course for effective mentorship
• Blend of online lectures/webinars and in-person practice
• Segmented online lectures aid self-paced learning
• Online portal for resources, mentor interaction, and submissions
• Each candidate is assigned an experienced mentor for year-long guidance
• Facilitation of access to practice machines
• 6-8 in-person intensive practice days per course
• Mandatory practice logbook with scans and pathologies
• Final exam with practical and theoretical elements for course completion.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course the candidate should be able to:
• Appreciate the fundamental physics principles relating to ultrasound including the piezoelectric effect, acoustic impedance mismatch, angle of incidence and other factors that influence imaging as well as the recognition and differentiation of various artefacts
• Recognise the importance of frequency and the way it impacts probe selection and imaging
• Utilise the various functions on US machines to optimise the scan and obtain measurements of relevant structures
• Hold and manipulate the probe effectively being mindful of ergonomics
• Identify the various artefacts. Be familiar with techniques to utillise friendly artefacts and eliminating or reducing unfriendly artefacts.
• Annotate and acquire representative images
• Be mindful of probe and machine cleaning and sterility
• Utilise key scanning concepts including perpendicularity, foreshortening, single component movement
• Use the correct terminology to describe findings and write a report
• Be aware of the role of Artifical Intelligence in POCUS
• Describe the anatomy and normal sonoanatomy of the renal system including the kidneys, ureters and bladder
• Appreciate and Identify normal anatomical variants which may be mistaken for pathology
• Use a structured approach to evaluate the kidneys and bladder
• Identify perinephric collections
• Identify renal calculi
• Diagnose and grade hydronephrosis
• Evaluate renal cysts and cystic disease
• Evaluate renal solid lesions
• Measure bladder wall thickness, bladder and prostate volume
• Identify diverticula, evaluate bladder lesions and distinguish them from haematuria or clots.
• Confirm urinary catheter placement and troubleshoot failed catheterisation
• Recognise the limitations of the scan and when to refer for further imaging.
• Issue a report using the correct terminology
• Describe the normal sonographic anatomy of the scrotum, including testis, epididymis and tunica vaginalis
• Understand the evidence base for scrotal ultrasound
• Obtain good quality longitudinal and transverse views of both testes and epididymis
• Compare size, echotexture, and symmetry
• Measure the testes in long and short axis
• Evaluate the epididymal head and tail
• Use colour and spectral Doppler to assess perfusion of testes and epididymis
• Describe the sonographic characteristics of various pathologies including torsion, epididymo-orchitis, infarction, tumours, cysts and hydroceles.
• Integrate ultrasound findings into clinical management plans
• Issue a report with the correct terminology
• Recognize the limitations of POCUS in scrotal imaging and appropriately refer for comprehensive radiology ultrasound
• Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in peripheral venous access and procedural ultrasound
• Understand the necessity of infection control measures and sterility
• Differentiate veins, arteries, nerves, muscles and tendons
• Evaluate the venous anatomy of the upper limb veins in a systematic way using ultrasound
• Assess peripheral vein suitability using the WASPS approach
• Optimise probe to vessel alignment for access
• Utilise in-plane and out-of-plane approaches for guided vascular access and interventions
• Use ultrasound to confirm successful cannulation
• Apply the in plane and out of plane technique to procedures
• Use ultrasound to assist scrotal aspiration and suprapubic catheterisation