Ultrasound Imaging in Cardiac Disease - Professional/Short course

Program Overview

The Ultrasound Imaging in Cardiac Disease program at UWE Bristol is a 7-month, Level 7 module that equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in cardiac imaging. Through a blended learning approach, participants gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in echocardiography, enabling them to assess and interpret cardiac disease in diverse patient groups. Graduates are prepared for careers as cardiac sonographers, echocardiography research technicians, and cardiac imaging specialists.

Program Outline

The primary goal is to equip trainees with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform cardiac imaging in diverse patient groups, interact effectively with patients while upholding a safe and patient-centered approach, and independently manage various aspects of the process, from setting up equipment to producing reports, interpreting results, explaining procedures, and obtaining informed consent. The successful completion of this module enables graduates to:

• Describe the coronary anatomy and its correlation with 2D views of the left ventricle, analyzing the consequences post-myocardial infarction.

• Evaluate and interpret methods for assessing left ventricular function, differentiating between normal and abnormal function.

• Discuss the key features of echocardiography associated with diverse conditions like cardiomyopathies, valvular diseases, valve replacements, and ventricular dysfunction, relating these features to the associated surgical treatments.

• Discuss the mechanisms, causes, and echocardiographic characteristics associated with right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, suspected acute pulmonary embolism, and blunt or penetrating cardiac trauma.

• Critically evaluate advanced echo-techniques in the setting of acute presentation.

Outline:

Content:

The Level 7 module syllabus covers the following key topics:

• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system with a specific emphasis on coronary anatomy.

• Review of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology related to cardiac valve diseases.

• Etiology and echocardiographic features of various cardiovascular pathophysiological conditions.

• Recognition and evaluation of cardiovascular disorders using cardiac ultrasound and Doppler imaging, encompassing acquired, inherited, and acute presentations.

• Review of advanced echocardiography techniques including congenital heart disease; emergency and ICU echocardiography; contrast and stress echocardiography; trans-oesophageal echocardiography; and advanced assessment of ventricular function.

Learning and teaching:

• A 2-hour set exercise
• A video case report centered around a specific cardiac pathology

Assessment:

Set exercise (2 hours):

This assessment likely focuses on testing theoretical knowledge related to the module content. It may involve multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, essay-style questions, or a combination thereof.

Video case report (cardiac pathology):

This component challenges students to apply their theoretical understanding to practical scenarios.

Teaching methods:

The program utilizes a combination of online learning modules and on-campus sessions for theoretical delivery. Practical laboratory sessions within the on-campus blocks provide hands-on experience with equipment, procedures, and data analysis.

Careers: The course prepares graduates for various career options related to cardiac ultrasound imaging within healthcare settings. Potential roles may include:

• Cardiac sonographer: Conducting echocardiography examinations, analyzing results, and reporting findings to cardiologists.
• Echocardiography research technician: Assisting in research projects involving cardiac ultrasound and data collection.
• Cardiac imaging specialist: Contributing to the development and application of advanced echocardiography techniques.

Other:

Duration:

7 months