Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is an essential component of the course as it allows you to be involved in extensive clinical experience that is complementary to all other units in the course. This unit builds on skills, knowledge and abilities gained in the unit CSN021 Cardiac Ultrasound 1. In this unit, basic skills are refined and expanded, and advanced echocardiographic skills are developed through employment and training in a QUT approved clinical department. Clinical skills are evaluated by QUT academic staff and QUT approved clinical supervisors, in consultation with QUT academic staff.

This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. At the end of each semester, if you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit you may be eligible for a period of probation or exclusion.

Aims

The aim of the unit is to provide you with the opportunity to develop basic, practical echocardiographic skills in an approved clinical environment, under the direction of a suitably qualified clinical supervisor.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Display the specialised skills necessary to perform a complete adult echocardiographic examination to the standard as described by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE).



2. Apply knowledge of the physical principles of ultrasound and ultrasound instrumentation, as well as demonstrating the ability to adapt ultrasound instrumentation settings to ensure high quality imaging is performed.



3. Display the ability to interpret ECG rhythms and effectively describe the affect of ECG arrhythmias on M-mode, 2D and spectral Doppler measurements and calculations.



4. Critically examine and analyse the diagnostic accuracy of images and calculations performed during the echocardiographic examination.



5. Demonstrate an advanced level of written and oral communication skills as well as the highest level of patient care during the conduct of all echocardiographic examinations.

Content

The unit covers the following topic areas as applied in the clinical situation. This content is complementary to, and must be considered in the context of, learning in other units such as CSN021 Cardiac Ultrasound 1 and CSN025 Principles of Medical Ultrasound.

• Patient preparation and communication requirements


• Acoustic windows used in cardiac ultrasound


• Interpretation of ECG rhythm


• Standard imaging planes in the adult patient


• Standard 2D views obtained at the parasternal, apical, subcostal and suprasternal positions; including 2D measurements and calculations performed in the adult patient


• The applications of M-mode ultrasound, including the standard measurements and calculations performed in the adult patient


• Standard spectral Doppler examination, including standard measurements and calculations


• Standard colour Doppler examination


• Awareness of Occupational Health and Safety practices.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit combines supervised clinical experience in a nominated QUT approved clinical department with a range of formative and summative assessment items undertaken by the student during the period of clinical practice. You will normally undertake supervised ultrasound training no less than 3 days per week (0.6FTE) whilst enrolled. No direct lectures are involved. QUT academic staff are available to discuss issues relating to the clinical practice requirements as may be necessary, on an individual basis.

Clinical supervisors are Accredited Cardiac Sonographers or Echocardiologists as approved by QUT. Clinical supervisors are responsible, in consultation with the student, for ensuring an adequate range and volume of clinical experience is obtained. Supervisors, in consultation with QUT academic staff and the student, are required to monitor and evaluate the student's clinical progress. Students may be evaluated during the semester by a QUT staff member or appointee.

On commencing this unit you will be required to continue your clinical training in your nominated approved centre. As a result the clinical records workbook supplied in Semester 1 will become a record of your clinical experience across the entire year.

Assessment

In accordance with professional accreditation requirements, students must achieve a satisfactory result in both the Clinical Procedures Record Book and Practical Assessment in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better, in this unit.

As a designated unit, you cannot apply for a supplementary assessment for this unit.

Note: All assessment contributes to your grade. You must receive a satisfactory result in each Mandatory assessment item in order to be awarded a grade of 4, or better, in this unit.Individual formative feedback relating to the submitted case studies will be provided to students via the Blackboard site for this unit. Results for all assessments will be displayed under My Grades on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: (Mandatory Requirement) - At the commencement of the year you will be supplied with a Clinical Procedures Record Book. All clinical experience that you are involved with during the year is to be recorded in the Clinical Procedure Record Book by you and verified by the clinical supervisor. This same Clinical Procedures Record Book will continue to be utilised by you throughout the year. In addition, the Clinical Supervisor is required review a series of case studies performed by you over the duration of the year; assessment of this review is based on your critical reflection of each case. The specific requirements for the completion of this workbook are detailed within the Record Book. The specific requirements for the completion of this logbook are detailed within the Clinical Procedure Record Book.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End semester

Assessment name: Reports
Description: (Formative and Summative) You will be required to submit a number of case studies demonstrating the performance of a comprehensive adult echocardiographic examination, including M-mode, 2D, spectral Doppler and colour Doppler components of the examination as well as all appropriate measurements and calculations required to answer the clinical question.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: During semester

Assessment name: Practical
Description: (Mandatory requirement) - Practical assessments undertaken in the workplace by a QUT appointed assessor evaluate your ability to conduct a comprehensive adult echocardiographic examination. Evaluation of the students, including the standard M-mode, two-dimensional, spectral Doppler and colour flow Doppler imaging techniques, including standard measurements.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended text:

Anderson, B. (2007). Echocardiography: The Normal Examination and Echocardiographic Measurements (2nd ed.) Brisbane: MGA Graphics. (This text is strongly recommended for all students)

Other References and Recommended Reading:

Oh, J.K.,, Tajik, A.J., & Seward, J.B. (2006). The Echo Manual (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Otto, C.M. (2004). Textbook of Clinical Echocardiography (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography

Recent and current journals related to cardiology and echocardiography.

Risk assessment statement

You will be employed in clinical departments where you will be required to comply with departmental rules and regulations regarding workplace health and safety, ethical and legal considerations.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 11-Feb-2013