This assessment will require you to practically acquire images and videos using phantoms in the CQU sonography labs and provide a written discussion on your imaging series. Part A will focus on the obstetric component and Part B will focus on the breast component.

Part A- Obstetrics Component

Overview

The sonographic assessment of fetal morphology is an important component for prenatal assessment of fetal structural conditions, biometry, placental position, amniotic fluid, and fetal number. The findings can have significant implications for the management of pregnancy, for delivery, and post-natal care. The purpose of this assessment is to prepare you for undertaking sonographic assessment in a clinical environment and analyse the sonographer’s role in the routine mid trimester morphology scan.

Task Description

Practical component- Acquisition of videos, images and measurements

It is important that sonographers have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively image patients. This involves probe manipulation to adapt for fetal position, appropriate image optimisation, accurate measurements, and image evaluation. You will complete the following components:

1. Using the 2nd trimester obstetric phantoms in the CQU sonography lab, your task is to produce two (2) short videos (maximum length 2 minutes each) with audio (using smart phone or similar) demonstrating and explaining how you will personally assess the following:

    a. Fetal position and situs

    b. Axial sweep through the fetal heart to include 4 chamber heart and outflow tracts.

2. Using the 2nd Trimester obstetric phantoms, acquire the following sonographic static images:

    a. Sagittal fetal profile

    b. Axial trans thalamic plane

    c. Axial abdomen at the level where the abdominal circumference would be measured

    d. Long femur

    e. Placental location (to include cord insertion)

3. Static sonographic Images will be provided on the ultrasound machines in the CQU sonography labs. You will analyse the images and personally select the most technically correct image and obtain multiple measurements of parameters (minimum of 2 each) for the following images:

    a. Bi-parietal diameter (BPD)/head circumference (HC)

    b. Abdominal circumference (AC)

    c. Femoral length (FL)

    d. Cervix length

    e. Cerebellum, cisterna magna, and nuchal fold

Report pages (containing measurements for all components in item 3) and graphs (for images a, b, and c of item 3) are to be included.

You must use your own unique MRN to produce these videos, images, reports, and graphs. They must be your own work. Any identified cases of potential collusion will result in a breach of academic integrity case being raised.

Written component- Discussion of image series

Please ensure all images (and where relevant report pages/graphs) are included within your discussion.

1. For each image acquired in item 2 of the practical component, provide a brief (dot points are adequate) critique of your image

2. You will provide a reflective discussion on your imaging series for item 3. For each image submitted:

    · justify the clinical purpose or importance of each image and/or measurement (Why do we take the image/measurement? How is the information used clinically?). Ensure your discussion includes the interpretation of reports and graphs you generated where appropriate.

    · discuss the key factors of image optimisation for each individual image (Do you do anything special to ensure this image is optimised? Do you need to adjust technical parameters or utilise practical skills to demonstrate the structure in a particular position?)

Part B- Breast Component

Overview

Breast ultrasound is an important practical component in screening and the diagnosis of breast disease. This component will assess the sonographer’s role in technique and evaluation of lesions.

Task Description

Practical component- Acquisition of video, images, and analysis of lesion

Using the breast phantoms in the CQU sonography lab, you will personally acquire the following:

    1. A short video (maximum 2 minutes) with audio (using smart phone or similar) demonstrating and explaining how to perform one (1) of either a) cross hatch survey scanning or b) radial and anti- radial survey scanning.

    2. Obtain four (4) US images taken at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. Images should be appropriately optimised, annotated, and with body marker correctly used.

    3. Choose one (1 ) lesion within the breast phantom and image it with appropriate optimisation, annotation, and body marker in two orthogonal planes.

You must use your own unique MRN to produce these videos and images, and they must be your own work. Any identified cases of potential collusion will result in a breach of academic integrity case being raised.

Written component- Discussion of image series

Please ensure all images (items 2 and 3) are included within your assessment.

For the images of your chosen lesion (item 3) ONLY:

    · critique the image quality (specifically any aspects needing improvement)

    · describe the lesion using appropriate terminology (appearance, size, location, etc.)

    · based on the appearances of the lesion you have chosen, determine the BIRADS classification

All components will be assessed for adherence and attention to task requirements. A marking rubric is available for more detailed outline of assessment criteria.

Practical component - Acquisition of images

Your images and videos will be assessed for:

• optimisation
• scan plane
• demonstration and explanation of technique
• appropriate selection of image
• accurate caliper placement
• annotation
• use of ultrasound machine features (zoom, chroma maps, split screen, etc)
• appropriate timing (where applicable)

Written component - Discussion of image series

Your discussion will be assessed on:

• spelling, grammar, and academic writing
• critical evaluation of research sources and accurate and complete referencing
• adherence to word count (penalties will apply if too brief or too lengthy)

As well as the following:

Part A

• quality of critique on image quality for images in item 1
• justification of clinical relevance of images and interpretation of reports/graphs for item 2
• discussion of key optimisation techniques for item 2

Part B

• quality of provided images
• quality of critique on image quality
• accuracy of description of basic lesion characterisation

The following assessment supports can be found on the unit Moodle site

• Marking rubric
• Assessment Video
• Vancouver referencing information

In Week 9, you will complete an online quiz to assess your understanding of the concepts delivered for weeks 1-8. The quiz can be accessed through the assessment tab on Moodle.

It will comprise of short answer/multiple choice questions. Students will need to note opening and closing times to complete the quiz during this time period.

The quiz will be open for 60 mins and only ONE attempt is allowed. Once started, the quiz cannot be paused or restarted.

Questions will be drawn from a pool of questions to allow tests to be different for each student.

This assessment is to be undertaken as an individual. As with all other university assessment, colluding with other students on non group work tasks is considered academic misconduct, and may lead to action being taken. 

Answers will be either correct or incorrect and tabulated by the unit's online Moodle system.

Students must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to pass this assessment.

An in-class test will be conducted and completed on Thursday 2nd June at 12pm (AEST)  (week 12), at your campus of enrolment.

The in-class test will be conducted as an online test via Moodle and will assess your understanding and learning of the content of this unit, and your ability to complete an ultrasound worksheet. Content assessed will include content covered in lectures, tutorials, and readings from weeks 1-11.

The questions will involve a combination of  short and long answer style questions which require typed answers. You will also be provided with a worksheet which will need to be completed and handed to supervisors at the conclusion of the test.

The test will last 140 minutes (2 hours 20 minutes). It will be closed book and supervised, and you will be required to adhere to test conditions. You will complete the test in computer labs on campus.

Any evidence of students not adhering to test conditions will be dealt with as per the CQUniversity academic misconduct procedure document.

You must know your student login to allow you to access university computers.

Responses to test questions will be assessed according to:

• Use of appropriate sonographic terminology and descriptors.
• Relevance of response to the question asked to appropriately identify normal and abnormal ultrasound findings with reference to anatomy, clinical presentation, sonographic appearance, and aetiology.
• Adequate detail provided in answer to demonstrate clinical awareness and critical thinking.