Ultrasound Guided Brachytherapy - Professional/Short course

Program Overview

The Ultrasound Guided Brachytherapy program at UWE Bristol is a professional/short course that provides advanced knowledge and skills in utilizing medical ultrasound within a chosen sub-specialty area. Participants will gain expertise in applying theoretical knowledge, analyzing complex situations, and performing a comprehensive range of ultrasound procedures. The program is tailored to the specific needs of participants, with a focus on a negotiated sub-specialty area, and prepares graduates for specialized roles as Specialist Sonographers in various healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Ultrasound Guided Brachytherapy - Professional/Short course - UWE Bristol

Degree Overview:

This negotiated professional/short course on Ultrasound Guided Brachytherapy provides participants with advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise in utilizing medical ultrasound within their chosen area of specialization. Upon completion, participants will possess the capability to effectively apply theoretical knowledge in practice, analyze complex situations with a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and demonstrate critical knowledge of legal, ethical, and organizational aspects in the ultrasound field. Participants will be equipped to evaluate current research on various pathologies and their management, implement new procedures and adapt to unique situations. Furthermore, participants will learn to perform a comprehensive range of ultrasound procedures in their chosen specialty. They will refine their communication skills and contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary professional community. The program focuses on a specific sub-specialty area within ultrasound practice, which is negotiated between the participant, module leader, and workplace manager. The curriculum and assessment methods are tailored accordingly. Participants will benefit from access to the College of Health, Science and Society's exceptional facilities and learning resources.

Objectives:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to medical ultrasound in the chosen area of specialization.
• Use knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to solve complex problems.
• Understand legal, ethical, and organizational aspects related to the chosen ultrasound practice specialty.
• Evaluate current research to inform best practices and adopt new approaches.
• Compare ultrasound to other diagnostic methods to establish differential diagnoses.
• Demonstrate competency and adaptability in performing ultrasound procedures within the chosen specialty.
• Explain the contributions of medical ultrasound to patient management.
• Assess and report on ultrasound examination results effectively.
• Act as active participants within the professional community, reflecting upon personal and collective practices.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare personnel, providing appropriate referrals.
• Contribute to an MSc In Medical Ultrasound (optional)

Outline:

Negotiated Speciality Area:

This course allows participants to delve deep into their specific sub-specialty areas of interest within ultrasound practices. Potential areas include but are not limited to:

• Obstetric Ultrasound:
• First-trimester anomaly scanning
• Fetal echocardiography
• Gynaecological Ultrasound:
• Fertility and sub-fertility scanning
• Screening for ovarian cancer
• General Medical Ultrasound:
• Paediatric
• Musculo-skeletal
• Superficial parts, e.g., breast ultrasound
• Vascular Ultrasound:
• Upper limb assessment
The exact content and focus of the course will be defined through discussions between the participant, module leader, and workplace manager and will be documented in a Learning Contract. This contract outlines the specific program and how the learning outcomes will be achieved. Clinical assessment areas and subject specific competencies will also be identified during discussions.

Content:

The module addresses a comprehensive range of topics, including:

• Normal anatomy & physiology
• Normal variants
• Normal ultrasound appearances
• Pathological processes
• Abnormal ultrasound appearances
• Scanning techniques
• Use in health screening
• Subject-specific variations
• Legal and ethical issues related to the area of sub-specialty
• Professional and employment issues relevant to Negotiated Specialist Ultrasound practice
This module also covers essential aspects like professionalism, codes of conduct, occupational standards, departmental protocols, continuing professional development, clinical governance, work-related upper limb disorders, communication skills, reporting of ultrasound images, and action learning.

Schedule:

Scheduled learning comprises a minimum of 28 hours and varies based on the chosen subject. It involves lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, practical classes, workshops, external visits, work-based learning, and supervised practice time in the scanning room. Independent learning constitutes at least 122 hours and focuses on activities like reading, case study preparation, assignment completion, computer-assisted learning, simulator scanning, and reflection on learning. Participants will be assigned action learning sets and engage in collaborative projects.

Assessment:

Assessment methods are tailored to the chosen sub-specialty and may incorporate diverse approaches such as work-based learning, action-centered learning, problem-centered learning, enquiry-based learning, supervised clinical practice, negotiated learning contracts, and on-line learning. Participants' progress is evaluated through various means, including:

• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Practical assessments
• Reflective diaries
• Participation in discussions
Detailed assessment criteria for each chosen sub-specialty are provided and agreed upon in the Learning Contract.

Teaching:

Learning methods may include:

• Group work and team dynamics
• Power and decision-making
• Role boundaries
• Ground rules
• Contract learning
• Negotiation
• Time management
• Management of change
• Problem solving
• Reflective Practice
• Enquiry based learning
• Supervised clinical practice
• Negotiated learning contracts
• Facilitated learning in the workplace
• Online learning
• Key lectures
• Debates
• Seminars
• Student presentations

Careers:

This program can open doors to numerous career opportunities within specialized areas of medical ultrasound. Graduates may choose to pursue roles as Specialist Sonographers in various hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or universities within the UK and internationally. Additionally, they can contribute their expertise in various other capacities, including research, education, private practice, or technical roles related to ultrasound equipment.

Other:

• Participants can benefit from extensive learning resources and excellent facilities at the College of Health, Science and Society.
• Access to learning materials and discussions is provided through an electronic Blackboard platform.