Overview
Students will learn how to perform, interpret, and write a report on focused transthoracic ultrasound of the heart (point-of-care-ultrasound) using an ultrasound simulator. This will enable them to use ultrasound to increase the diagnostic accuracy of bedside clinical examination in assessment of commonly encountered pathology of the cardiovascular system.
Intended Learning Outcomes
- Describe the indications, uses and limitations of ultrasound imaging for ultrasound-assisted examination and assessment of the heart for pathology and haemodynamic state.
- Perform a systematic focused cardiac ultrasound examination on simulators.
- Perform, interpret, and write a structured focused cardiac ultrasound report using simulators with a range of abnormal haemodynamic states and cardiac pathology.
- Critically evaluate the role of focused cardiac ultrasound as an important opportunity to improve the quality and safety of patient care.
- Describe how cardiac ultrasound can be used for health promotion and preventive education of individuals.
- Demonstrate self-awareness through analytical reflection on practice, recognition of limits (understanding scope of practice), and continual improvement of knowledge and skills to enhance performance.
- Demonstrate and describe the importance of peer collaborative practice in learning.