Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
take a thorough history prior to all ultrasound scans, and check all previous ultrasound images and reports of relevance with minimal supervision;
explain the aims and objectives of each scan, and any other relevant information to the patient and obtain verbal consent from the patient for every scan with minimal supervision;
demonstrate an understanding of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic disease, hydrops fetalis, chromosomal anomalies (including understanding of genetics and non-invasive prenatal screening, in particular the importance of informed consent);
perform first trimester ultrasound scans, fetal anomaly scans at 11-14 weeks gestation, second trimester routine anomaly scans, growth scans and assessment of fetal wellbeing, (including assessment of amniotic fluid volume), second and third trimester multiple pregnancy scan and complete a fetal umbilical artery Doppler with minimal supervision;
perform middle cerebral artery Doppler assessment, commence a uterine artery Doppler assessment; and perform a cervical length measurement (transabdominal and transvaginal) under supervision;
demonstrate an understanding of the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of placental implantation disorders;
write accurate sonographer reports for obstetric examinations, and arrange any necessary follow up following the scan with minimal supervision;
integrate current theories of ultrasound, basic sciences and communication in their clinical reasoning, including justifying the contribution of ultrasound to the overall management of the patient;
develop and defend an academic poster, synthesising information in both a visual and oral format;
reflect on their current practice in a critical manner and implement an action plan to develop their practice;
participate in peer review of clinical practice;
manage an ultrasound session with minimal supervision;
reflect on the social and ethical issues arising in their practice of obstetric ultrasound;
work in a safe ergonomic environment.
Indicative Module Content:
Students registered to this module will receive resource sessions relative to the following topics:
intrauterine growth restriction;
middle cerebral artery Doppler;
uterine artery Doppler;
microvascular flow;
fetal wellbeing assessment;
the large for gestational age fetus;
the role of ultrasound in cases of maternal diabetes;
abnormalities associated with the central nervous system;
abnormalities associated with the gastrointestinal tract;
abnormalities associated with the fetal cardiac system;
abnormalities associated with the thoracic system;
abnormalities associated with the renal system;
the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of skeletal defects;
overview of non-invasive prenatal screening from the geneticist perspective, and the importance of informed consent;
the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of chromosomal anomalies;
pathology, ultrasound diagnosis and management of hydrops fetalis;
the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of placental implantation disorders;
morphological ultrasound assessment of the fetus at 11-14 weeks gestation, including:
assessment of the fetal head and neck;
assessment of the fetal face;
assessment of the fetal spine;
assessment of the fetal chest and heart;
assessment of the fetal abdomen and abdominal wall;
assessment of the fetal limbs, hands and feet;
assessment of the placenta and umbilical cord.
report writing;
the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis, management and treatment of the complications associated with multiple pregnancy;
cervical length assessment.
The concepts and issues relating to communication, clinical history and clinical investigations, protocols and guidelines, and ethical and social implications are included in al sessions delivered.