CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS13009 Obstetric and Paediatric Sonography
Obstetric and Paediatric Sonography
All details in this unit profile for MEDS13009 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit you will explore the sonographic assessment of normal and pathological third trimester obstetric cases. You will study the sonographic appearance, scanning techniques and pathological complications associated with multiple pregnancies as well as become familiar with investigations and interventions relevant to the management of gynaecological patients and pre natal anomalies of the fetus with a correctable defect. You will consider the amendment and management of the gynaecological and post partum patients and the fetus with a correctable defect. Students will be introduced to the paediatric patient. Common paediatric anomalies as well as inherent congenital diseases will be reviewed to include their sonographic appearance, safe scanning techniques, prognosis and treatment. You will discuss ethical considerations regarding the impact of a diagnosis on the patient and their family.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Pre-requisite: MEDS13001 Ultrasound Of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2018

Distance

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
2. Online Test
Weighting: 60%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe safe ultrasound assessment of the paediatric patient, the fetus(s) and maternal pelvis in multiple pregnancies and during singleton pregnancies in the third trimester.
  2. Differentiate the aetiology, ultrasound appearance and Doppler haemodynamics of abnormalities in singleton and multiple pregnancies, post partum patients and other pelvic imaging.
  3. Differentiate the aetiology of paediatric and congenital disease in relation to sonographic appearance.
  4. Critically evaluate clinical data to communicate a differential diagnosis which includes ethical and management considerations.

Australasian Sonography Association Competency Standards for the Entry Level Sonographer Units: 1-5, 6, 10, 12

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Online Test - 60%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 40%
2 - Online Test - 60%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

Additional Textbook Information

The prescribed texts are the same textbook and workbook utilised for MEDS13001.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Smart phone video access or desktop/laptop webcam with recording capabilities
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Paula Kinnane Unit Coordinator
p.kinnane@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Module 1

  • The gravid cervix
  • The postpartum uterus

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Module 2

  • Interventional Ultrasound
    • pregnancy procedures
    • gynaecological procedures

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Formative Quiz 1

Content in Modules 1 and 2.

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Module 3

  • Fetal growth

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Module 4

  • Doppler use in obstetrics

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Formative Quiz 2

Content in Modules 3 and 4.

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Module 5

  • The biophysical profile

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Break week
  • No new content

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Module 6

  • Effects of maternal obesity and disease on pregnancy

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Module 7

  • Emergent techniques for obstetric and gynaecological imaging
    • 3D/4D
    • Spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC)

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Formative Quiz 3

Content in Modules 5 and 6.

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Module 8

  • Introduction to paediatric ultrasound
  • Neonatal head and spine

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Module 9

  • Paediatric hip

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment (Pamphlet) and Presentation Due: Week 9 Friday (14 Sept 2018) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Module 10

  • Paediatric renal tract and adrenals

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Module 11

  • Paediatric gastro intestinal tract

Chapter

Provided lecture content and readings

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

  • No new content

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test

Open

Wk 12 - Wed Oct 3rd 9am

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Test Due: Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 Oct 2018) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

My name is Paula Kinnane and I am the unit co-ordinator for MEDS13009. Following on from a background in radiography, I have been a qualified sonographer for 18 years and worked in a number of environments (both specialised and general) in both public and private settings. Since 2009, I have been a specialist sonographer in women's and newborn imaging. Since 2015, I have worked part time at CQU assisting in a number of units and am looking forward to my new role as unit coordinator


My contact details are

p.kinnane@cqu.edu.au

Ph 07 3023 4146

Please keep in mind that whilst I am full time, I do spend time in the labs.

I am usually very responsive by email and can coordinate meetings if necessary.


Whilst there is no set textbook for this unit, some suggestive textbooks which may be useful to refer to and supplement your lectures include:

CALLEN'S Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynaecology  ISBN:9780323328340

RUMACK Diagnostic Ultrasound 2 Vol set ISBN:9780323401715

This unit will require access to internet. Please ensure you have reliable connection for your online test.


Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment (Pamphlet) and Presentation

Task Description


Outline:

The range of obstetric fetal anomalies encountered in clinical practice is often extensive with the prevalence and frequency of those diagnosed sometimes unpredictable.

The newly graduated sonographer has a solid foundation of Obstetric knowledge but when faced with an unexpected obstetric anomaly access to concise and relevant information specific to an anomaly is invaluable.

In this scenario, a succinct reference pamphlet would greatly assist by highlighting additional information to complete a comprehensive scan.

Communication of the sonographic features of an anomaly verbally to the reporting doctor is also an important clinical skill and summarising and prioritising key relevant points vital to expedite discussion.

An appropriate and relevant summary utilizing effective communication techniques is an important skill to master in the clinical setting.

You are required to produce a digital pamphlet and brief oral summary pertaining to your chosen obstetric anomaly from the selection provided in the task description.

Task Description:

Pamphlet:

Your assessment task is to source, collate and edit relevant information pertaining to your choice of ONE topic from the following:

  • Pre eclampsia in pregnancy
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Agenesis of Corpus Callosum (ACC)

This task requires you to produce a 6-panel digital pamphlet with the target audience being the recently graduated sonographer.

Emphasis should be placed on the following succinct information that is needed by the sonographer to perform a comprehensive scan:

1) Background/overview e.g. Occurrence, risk factors, aetiology and/or pathogenesis

2) Important clinical information to acquire before concluding the sonographic examination E.g. Previous prenatal testing, relevant history

3) Characteristic sonographic features

  • How to sonographically confirm these features and what else to look for
  • Compare with at least one differential diagnosis

4) Further prenatal investigations and prenatal clinical management options

5) Prognosis and/or recurrence

  • Postnatal and early childhood
  • Subsequent pregnancies

Creating this pamphlet will involve researching the relevant information and being creative in design so that the information is engaging to the reader and suitable for the scenario outlined.

Images and diagrams are recommended to aid in the visual communication of information. Submissions that are text heavy are discouraged as is the use of small font as these features are not conducive to the proposed pamphlet purpose.

This assessment is due at the end of Week 9 to allow those students who are on first placement to finalise their assessment task post placement. Those of you who are on second clinical placement should take advantage of the study time to predominately complete your assessment/s before starting your clinical appointment.

All assessment details are available at the commencement of Term 2 to allow for earlier completion and maintain equity for both placement groups.

Specific important information pertaining to the format requirements and MARKING RUBRIC for this assessment are available via this LINK

Presentation:

  • Effectively communicate using an oral presentation details of your chosen anomaly and its key specific sonographic features. The format should take the form of the ISBAR (Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Report/Recommendations)  technique where you are presenting your findings to the consultant radiologist having completed your scan
  • This component entails producing an up to 5 min video recording utilising a smart phone, laptop or tablet device
  • This recording is to be uploaded to YouTube with students submitting a link to the unit coordinator with their Written Moodle submission
  • PowerPoint slides, images and worksheets are not required

More specific important information pertaining to the format requirements for this assessment are available via this LINK


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (14 Sept 2018) 4:00 pm AEST

Both Written (Pamphlet) and Presentation are to be submitted together


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (28 Sept 2018)


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria


Written:


Construct a high quality submission addressing the topic which has clear structure and purpose. It must be free of grammatical error and reflect an appropriate level of critical analysis balancing discussion with the appropriate use of clinical and scientific terminology.

Evaluate current information and clinical consensus around the given topic by demonstrating thorough, appropriate, and up to date literature searches to support the selected background information that you include.

Highlight the sonographic relevance of the specified topic (analyse the historical/current/future applications of sonographic imaging in the diagnosis/treatment/management of the topic, provide suggested guidelines or protocols for use of ultrasound in this context)

Describe the sonographic appearance and give examples of images used with appropriate commentary to support the demonstration of your understanding of the sonographers’ role in the diagnosis and management of this anomaly.


Presentation:


Video

Demonstrate creativity and decision making skills to appropriately construct a presentation which engages the target audience and effectively communicates the pertinent information required using the ISBAR technique.

Determine optimal video and audio settings so that you are clearly visible, well heard and that the background/location appropriate for the sensitivity of the information being conveyed.

Utilise ISBAR technique to deliver appropriate verbal, nonverbal communication skills and correct terminology and do so in a timely manner.

Content

Analyse and highlight content details that are relevant based on the literature review used for your pamphlet component and the presentation scenario provided. You must briefly comment on recommendations for the management of the affected pregnancy.

Interpret and select any additional information that will enhance your chosen anomaly scenario.

Discern an effective and appropriate methodology as to the format your presentation will take.

Display your understanding of the sonographer’s role within this clinical setting scenario by constructing and delivering a presentation that is clinically relevant and follows ISBAR technique.

For more detailed marking criteria please see the MARKING RUBRIC on the Moodle site for this unit which is available HERE


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Written (Pamphlet) - Online Moodle Submission, Presentation - Paste YouTube link in the comments section on the Moodle submission page

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe safe ultrasound assessment of the paediatric patient, the fetus(s) and maternal pelvis in multiple pregnancies and during singleton pregnancies in the third trimester.
  • Differentiate the aetiology, ultrasound appearance and Doppler haemodynamics of abnormalities in singleton and multiple pregnancies, post partum patients and other pelvic imaging.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

Each health profession possesses a body of knowledge, the fundamentals of which must be learnt and understood. The sonography profession has selected these concepts as relevant to your future scope of practice and you will build upon them in your future clinical capacity. You will complete an online test to assess your understanding of the concepts delivered in MEDS13009. The test can be accessed through the assessment tab on Moodle.

  • It will be open for one week during week 12 and will comprise 10 questions which will require written answers. Students will need to note opening and closing times to complete the exam during this time period.
  • The test will be open for 90 mins (allowing 9 minutes per question) and only ONE attempt is allowed. Once started, the test cannot be paused or restarted.
  • As the test is online and open book, you will find it useful if you have produced your own notes and that you are familiar with the unit information. You cannot afford to use time searching for information (either in texts, notes or online) to assist you in providing your answer.
  • All unit content for MEDS13009 may be examined.
  • 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. Inserting answers from other websites at the time of the online test without referencing the source is considered plagiarism.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Wednesday (10 Oct 2018) 9:00 am AEST

One attempt of the online exam is permitted. Once opened your submission time to complete is 1.5 hours


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (19 Oct 2018)

Results will be available after the collation of grades


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria


The test will be open from Wednesday 3 October at 9am. (Week 12) You will need to allocate a 90 minute time period during this time that the test is open to complete the test. Please note: You must start the test before Wednesday 10 October 7.30am. Once started, the test cannot be paused, stopped or re-started. Once you have completed the test, it cannot be re-taken.

Students will need to provide medium length typed responses to 10 online questions within the 1.5 hour time period.

Film viewing questions may be included and you are required to be familiar with normal and pathological sonographic imaging of the areas discussed in MEDS13009.

Each question is worth 10 marks (giving a max total of 100 marks available)

Responses will be assessed according to

  • Use of appropriate terminology and descriptors as well as grammar, spelling, relevance of response and competence in addressing all elements of the question
  • The students ability to appropriately interpret sonographic images/graphs/tables and then to succinctly compose an appropriate response based on their learning from the unit



Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The Online exam is accessed via the assessment tab in Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe safe ultrasound assessment of the paediatric patient, the fetus(s) and maternal pelvis in multiple pregnancies and during singleton pregnancies in the third trimester.
  • Differentiate the aetiology, ultrasound appearance and Doppler haemodynamics of abnormalities in singleton and multiple pregnancies, post partum patients and other pelvic imaging.
  • Differentiate the aetiology of paediatric and congenital disease in relation to sonographic appearance.
  • Critically evaluate clinical data to communicate a differential diagnosis which includes ethical and management considerations.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?