Post Graduate Certificate Courses

•  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
•  Issuing a formal report using the correct terminology
•  Be aware of the role of Artificial Intelligence in POCUS

• Recognise the value of the various cardiac views in evaluating different cardiac structures
• Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in all cardiac views
• Understand the changes in the cardiac chambers and valves during the cardiac cycle
• Define the normal upper limits for diameters and ratio of the cardiac structures
• Understand the clinical significance and relevance of dilated structures
• Define the normal ECHO parameters for LV contractility
• Acquire the parasternal long axis (PLAX) and short axis (PSAX) and subcostal views of the heart
• Utilise a stepwise approach to optimise the various cardiac views and recognise the impact of specific movements on the cardiac appearance
• Adopt the DEFG structured diagnostic approach for ECHO evaluation
• Correctly measure the aortic root, LA and LV in PLAX
• Identify a dilated aortic root LA and dilated cardiomyopathy
• Understand the clinical significance of the findings
• Evaluate the systolic function/contractility to diagnose heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
• Identify pericardial effusions and recognise tamponade physiology
• Evidence base for IVC scanning
• Understand the impact of respiratory physiology on the IVC
• Identify and correctly measure the IVC
• Define the maximal diameter and collapsibility index of the IVC in normovolemia and hypovolemia in both ventilated and unventilated patients

• Perform the apical 2, 4 & 5 chamber views
• Define the sonoanatomy and recognise the cardiac structures in these cardiac views
• Adopt the DEFG approach to further evaluate the cardiac structure and function
• Identify left ventricular hypertrophy and recognise cardiomyopathy
• Use Fractional Shortening in M mode to estimate the systolic function
• Identify anatomical features suggestive of diastolic dysfunction
• Identify the different regions of the heart on the different views and their correlation with vascular supply
• Appreciate regional wall motion abnormalities
• Appreciate the normal and abnormal sonoanatomy of cardiac valves
• Diagnose and grade specific valve pathology using colour flow doppler
• Apply ECHO and IVC ultrasound for specific anaesthetic and critical care contexts to diagnose aetiology of hypotension, evaluate volume status, guide fluid therapy and inotrope selection.

• Appreciate the evidence base for lung ultrasound
• Understand the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the pleura & lung
• Appreciate the surface landmarks delineating the 12 lung zones and the corresponding pulmonary anatomy
• Use a step wise structured approach for the evaluation of each lung zone
• Recognise the sonographic appearances of various pathologies including pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema, consolidation, fibrosis, contusion, pneumonitis and ARDS
• Evaluation of diaphragmatic excursion to assist evaluation of readiness for extubation
• Integrate the findings with the clinical context to assist diagnosis
• Be familiar with the Blue Protocol and the application of Lung scores

• Define the lower limb venous anatomy
• Differentiate veins from arteries
• Recognise thrombus within the deep veins of the lower limb
• Appreciate the sonographic features of acute, subacute and chronic thrombus
• Perform a compression ultrasound scan of the lower limb to identify deep venous thrombosis in the proximal deep veins
• Apply compression and colour doppler ultrasound to evaluate for thrombus in central veins after line insertion
• Understand how to integrate US scanning in the clinical algorithm for DVT
• Appreciate the limitations of US scanning for DVT and when to refer to radiology
• Recognise alternative pathologies presenting with LL pain including superficial thrombophlebitis, Baker’s cyst and muscular hematomas
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Appreciate the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the 4 anatomical spaces which will be interrogated for free fluid including the right and left pleural spaces, peritoneum and pericardium
• Recognise the application of the approach for non traumatic clinical contexts including pleural and pericardial effusions, ascites, perforation and shock
• Understand the sonographic features of different types of free fluid to assist diagnosis
• Appreciate the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the pleura. Understand the rationale for lung sliding and the other pleural artefacts.
• Perform an FAFF scan confidently and competently to identify the presence of free fluid in these spaces
• Understand the indications, sensitivity and limitations of FAFF scanning. Recognise when to refer for further imaging
• Issue a report using the correct terminology

• Recognize the evidence base underpinning the use of US in central and peripheral venous access
• 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
• Identify and evaluate the radial and ulnar artery with a view to arterial cannulation
• Optimising 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 other procedures including nerve blocks
• Ultrasound identification of tracheal vs oesophageal intubation
• Bladder volume measurement and confirmation of catheter placement