General Medical Ultrasound in Practice

Program Overview

The General Medical Ultrasound in Practice program is a Level 7 (Masters level) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become proficient practitioners in the field of general medical ultrasound. The program focuses on the efficient and effective application of ultrasound in various medical settings, combining theoretical principles with practical application in a professional and ethical framework. Graduates may pursue careers as medical ultrasound practitioners in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Program Outline

Outline:

The General Medical Ultrasound in Practice module is a 30-credit Level 7 (Masters level) program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become proficient practitioners in the field of general medical ultrasound. The program focuses on the efficient and effective application of ultrasound in various medical settings.

Module Content:

• Applied anatomy, physiology, and pathology related to general medical ultrasound practice
• Role of ultrasound as a screening procedure
• Interpretation of biochemical and other invasive
  on-invasive tests
• Holistic patient preparation and care
• Ultrasound's role in overall patient management
• Normal and abnormal anatomy appearances, including anatomical variants
• Range of ultrasound techniques for external and intra-cavity procedures
• Doppler studies
• Contrast agents
• Complementary and alternative imaging techniques
• 4D Scanning
• Interpretation and recording of examination data
• Safety guidelines, protocols, and legislation
• Contemporary research and developments in ultrasound
• Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound imaging techniques
• Genito-urinary system
• Hepato-biliary system
• Pancreas
• Lymphatic system
• Peritoneum
• Vascular
• Digestive system
• Male and female reproductive systems
• Normal and abnormal appearances of the female pelvis
• Non-abdominal superficial structures ultrasound imaging techniques
• Thyroid; breast; soft-tissues; musculo-skeletal; vascular; testes; salivary glands
• Paediatric ultrasound techniques
• Ultrasound of the thorax
• Pleural and pericardial effusions
• Legal and ethical issues
• Professional and employment issues
• Work-related upper limb disorders
• Ergonomics
• Communication
• Reporting
• Work-related upper limb disorders

Module Structure:

• Scheduled learning (112 hours): Lectures, seminars, tutorials, demonstrations, practical classes, workshops, external visits, work-based learning, supervised scanning practice
• Independent learning (188 hours): Essential reading, case study preparation, assignment preparation and completion, computer-assisted learning, simulator scanning, reflection on learning
• Placement learning (minimum 15 hours per week): Clinical practice placements, negotiated and organized by the student, involving supervised scanning

Assessment:

Assessment Components:

• Component A: Completion of a Clinical Portfolio, including summative clinical assessments
• Component B: Structured Oral and Practical Examination (SOPE)

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, class discussions, tutorials, synchronous online discussion boards, seminars, clinical placement visits, medical museum visits, laboratory hands-on clinical practice using simulators and real-life models, VLE using e-Blackboard
• Faculty: Course Team and external clinical specialists
• Unique Approaches: Hands-on scanning supervised sessions, case review, discussion groups

Careers:

• Graduates may pursue careers as medical ultrasound practitioners in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Other:

• The program is delivered primarily online.
• Students are expected to provide their own headsets/microphones for online learning.
• The University of the West of England offers various facilities to support student learning, including the Library, which is open 24 hours a day.
• Students can apply for funding support through their Trust Education Lead or employer.

Additional Notes:

• The module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become proficient practitioners in the field of general medical ultrasound.
• The program combines theoretical principles with practical application in a professional and ethical framework.
• The program includes interpersonal skills development, reporting principles, and approaches to decision making and record keeping.
• The program covers various ultrasound techniques and applications for different body regions and systems.
• The program emphasizes contemporary research and developments in ultrasound technology.