Module 1
Block 1
3 Days
Registration and University facilities.
Introduction to programme.
Physics and image optimisation.
Lectures and practical sessions upper and lower limb.
Block 2
2 Days
Practical sessions upper and lower limb.
Sample referrals.
Reports and reporting.
Assessment
1. OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). To include:
1.1 Two questions: 1 upper limb, 1 lower limb, small area and a large area. This practical assessment will make use of a live model.
1.2 Analyitical discussion of the physics related to image optimisation of scans undertaken.
Module 2
Block 1
2 Days
Practical sessions upper and lower limb including scanning of cadavers and introduction to injection techniques. Presentation of case studies.
Work-Based Placement
Prior to the commencement of module 2 the student must ensure that they have the agreement of a suitable clinical mentor for their work-based placement.
250 scans to be completed over a 3-6 month period.
Assessment
1. Portfolio submission of a minimum 250 supervised scans. The completed portfolio should include a critical reflection of at least 10% of scans undertaken.
The programme consists of two modules each of 30 M-level credits. The first module must be successfully completed prior to students starting the second module. The first module consists of a mixture of lectures and practical teaching sessions which including a review of the physics and underlying scientific principles of ultrasound instrumentation and image acquisition. Emphasis is also given on practical training enabling students to build a sound anatomical knowledge and the motor skills required to obtain high quality ultrasound images in both the upper and lower limbs of healthy adults. Lectures also cover a variety of commonly seen pathologies within the context of musculoskeletal medicine.
Module 2 is predominantly work-based and cannot be started until successful completion of module one. In addition to the work-based placement students have 2-days of further taught lectures and practical sessions. Prior to enrolment on the second module the student must be able to demonstrate that they have a suitable clinical placement. The second module is designed to apply the skills and knowledge of the first module and to allow the student to be able to start identifying musculoskeletal pathology within an appropriately supervised clinical setting.