Program
The course consists of two modules. The modules are optional and consist of the Obstetrics and Abdomen with Pelvis modules. These two modules run over a three-month period each.
Each module consist of the following structure:
- One 3-day weekend of theory and hands-on training
- Completion of a logbook over three months
- Assessment (after successful completion of the logbook)
- Theory (OSCE and written paper) over 2 hours
- Clinical assessment (30 minutes) with a live patient / model
Modules
Learning material will be made available to registered candidates in electronic format.
Module 1: Obstetrics
The module aims to:
Provide a scientific basis, grounded in physical principles, for the development of ultrasound scanning skills in the clinical modules.
Provide knowledge and skills to healthcare practitioners which will allow them to competently perform a targeted POCUS obstetric scan and provide a limited interpretation of the image. This will assist in answering specific clinical questions and facilitate meaningful referrals to specialist fetal medicine departments.
Module outcomes:
At the end of this module, candidates should be able to:
- Apply knowledge of ultrasound physics, safety principles, anatomical planes, scanning planes, transducer movements, ultrasound terminology and machine controls when performing and interpreting POCUS procedures;
- Assess the images for technical quality and take measures to improve image quality as necessary;
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics and limited pathology when performing and interpreting POCUS procedures on a pregnant patient;
- Perform the POCUS scanning protocols for basic obstetrics competently and in a logical sequence;
- Assess the images for technical and diagnostic quality and take measures to improve image quality as necessary;
- Interpret the focused scan with regards to normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and demonstrate judgement to refer appropriately and when necessary;
- Describe normal and abnormal appearances using correct medical terminology;
- Perform patient care in a manner which ensures the welfare of the patient and demonstrates knowledge of ultrasound bio-effects and their potential for harm.
Module 2: Abdomen and Pelvis
The module aims to:
Provide a scientific basis, grounded in physical principles, for the development of ultrasound scanning skills in the clinical modules.
Provide knowledge and skills to healthcare practitioners which will allow them to competently perform a targeted POCUS scan of the abdomen and pelvis (male and female) and provide a limited interpretation of the image. This will assist in answering specific clinical questions and facilitate meaningful referrals to specialist departments.
Module outcomes:
At the end of this module, candidates should be able to:
- Apply knowledge of ultrasound physics, safety principles, anatomical planes, scanning planes, transducer movements, ultrasound terminology and machine controls when performing and interpreting POCUS procedures;
- Perform the POCUS scanning protocols for basic obstetrics competently and in a logical sequence;
- Assess the images for technical quality and take measures to improve image quality as necessary;
- Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, physics and limited pathology when performing and interpreting POCUS procedures of the abdomen and pelvis;
- Perform the POCUS scanning protocols of the abdomen and pelvis competently and in a logical sequence;
- Assess the images for technical and diagnostic quality and take measures to improve image quality as necessary;
- Interpret the focused scan with regards to normal and abnormal ultrasound appearances and demonstrate judgement to refer appropriately and when necessary;
- Describe normal and abnormal appearances using correct medical terminology;
- Perform patient care in a manner which ensures the welfare of the patient and demonstrates knowledge of ultrasound bio-effects and their potential for harm.
Venue
The training on this course is provided off-campus at Blandford Manor, Northriding, Johannesburg. This venue provides a tranquil setting with all the resources needed to offer high quality teaching and skills development. Moreover, this venue is in an accessible location for doctors who come from outside of Johannesburg and is close to the training partners Impilo Medical Systems, who will provide the ultrasound equipment and coordinate live models for the training.
Credits
The SAQA approved notional hours of this course per each module is 110 hours, including assessments and 60 logbook hours.
The SAQA credits are 11 per module.
This course will provide the following Continuous Education Units (CEU), as per the HPCSA guidelines:
- Module 1 = 30
- Module 2 = 30