Overview
This unit will cover the role of sonography to evaluate conditions to guide the safe management of paediatric patients within an ethical framework of family-centred practice. You will develop knowledge regarding indications for sonographic imaging, advanced sonographic protocols using existing and emerging technology, and how to differentiate between normal and abnormal sonographic appearances. This knowledge will allow you to enhance your advanced sonographic imaging practices related to paediatric patients, interpret sonographic findings and sonographically guide interventions undertaken in the radiology department.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
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 1 - 2023
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).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate 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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unsolicited email
Students found the unit enjoyable and interesting while finding the assessment tasks challenging.
Continue to provide interesting and relevant learning opportunities to challenge the students but consider other options with respect to the assessment tasks.
Feedback from SUTE
Students asked for exemplars of the written assessment task.
Consider providing exemplars of assessment 1.
- Evaluate sonographic imaging of the paediatric patient, including normal and abnormal sonographic appearances, and the use of sonographic findings to guide patient management.
- Research and evaluate the use of existing and emerging sonographic technology and imaging protocols to investigate the paediatric patient in a safe and ethical manner.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||
| 2 - Online Test - 60% | ||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||
| 2 - Communication | ||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||
| 4 - Research | ||
| 5 - Self-management | ||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||
| 7 - Leadership | ||
| 8 - 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 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||
| 2 - Online Test - 60% | ||||||||
Textbooks
Pediatric Sonography
Edition: 5th (2018)
Authors: Marilyn J. Siegel
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Philadelphia Philadelphia , United States
ISBN: 1496370562
Binding: Hardcover
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Microphone and camera to attend the Zoom sessions
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Vancouver
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.alphonse@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Welcome to Advanced Paediatric Ultrasound
Introduction:
- Psychological Development
- Appointments, waiting area, examination
- Appropriate equipment
- WHS/OHS
- Ultrasound safety (specific to paediatrics)
Chapter
Lectures and essential reading on Moodle site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Wednesday 7-8pm AEST. Zoom tutorials can be accessed via the virtual classroom. The tutorial recording will be placed under the week 1 tile.
Module/Topic
Working with children in a healthcare setting:
- What is a child?
- Terminology defined
- Child protection and working with children with respect Australian legislation
Chapter
There is a lecture as well as essential reading and other resources available on the Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Developmental dysplasia of the hip
The lecture this week is presented by Elaine Wang, a CQU lecturer based in Sydney.
Chapter
Lectures, notes, resources and essential reading on the Moodle site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Eye:
- Embryology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Pathology
The lecture this week is presented by industry expert Lino Piotto.
Chapter
Lectures and extensive notes on Moodle site
Additional resources with respect embryology can be found under the tile "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Spine:
- Scanning Technique
- Anatomy
- Common Pathologies
Chapter
Lectures ,notes and essential reading on the Moodle site
Embryology in relation to the development of the the spine is assumed knowledge but can be revised via the Moodle tile entitled "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Abdomen and Bowel:
- Infantile Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHP)
- Malrotation
- Intussusception
- Appendix
Lectures this week are presented by industry expert Allison Holley.
Chapter
Lectures, notes and essential reading on the Moodle site
Embryology in relation to the GIT is assumed knowledge but can be revised via the Moodle tile entitled "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Scrotum and Testes:
- Scanning technique
- Anatomy
- Common pathologies
Lectures this week are presented by industry expert Allison Holley.
Chapter
Lectures, notes and essential reading on the Moodle site
Embryology in relation to the scrotum and testes is assumed knowledge but can be revised via the Moodle tile entitled "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Female Reproductive System:
- Normal anatomical development
- Scanning Technique
- Reasons for referral
- Common pathologies
Chapter
Lectures and notes on the Moodle site
Embryology in relation to the female pelvis is assumed knowledge but can be revised via the Moodle tile entitled "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 Due this week
Educational Paper on Paediatric Ultrasound Due: Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
The Urinary Tract:
- Prenatal renal pelvis dilatation
- Common pathologies
- Adrenal Glands
This weeks, the lectures are presented by industry expert Amanda Crow focus on renal and adrenal pathologies.
Chapter
Lectures, notes and required reading on the Moodle site.
Embryology in relation to the urinary tract is assumed knowledge but can be revised via the Moodle tile entitled "Embryology"
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Brain:
- Scanning Technique
- Reasons for referral
- Common pathologies
- Anatomy
This week there is a lecture presented by industry expert Rommel Cruzado cover scanning techniques, ultrasound appearance of neonatal brain and common pathologies
Lectures by Dr. Michelle Fenech cover a level of assumed knowledge with respect the anatomy of the brain and skull.
Chapter
Lectures, notes and reading on the Moodle site
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Advanced Techniques
This week there are two lectures by industry expert Cain Brockley:
- Vascular Malformations
- Paediatric MSK
Chapter
Lectures, notes and recommended reading on the Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Tutorial - Wednesday 7-8pm AEST. Zoom tutorials can be accessed via the virtual classroom. The tutorial recording will be placed under the week 11 tile.
Module/Topic
Revision
There is no new content this week.
This week offers students the opportunity to revise and ask questions prior to the online test going live in exam week.
There is a practice quiz which will go live after the zoom tutorial in week 11. The practice quiz is optional however it will offer students the opportunity to experience an online test environment.
An overview of correct answers relevant to the practice quiz for the M/C, short and long answer questions will be revealed on Wednesday of week 12, under the week 12 Moodle tile (where the practice quiz is located).
Chapter
Lecture on how to complete an online test.
Events and Submissions/Topic
If you have any questions about the quiz please post on Q&A so that your colleagues can also share in the learning.
Module/Topic
Online Test
The online test opens at 9am on Monday of Exam Week and closes 1 week later
Online Test will take 2 hours
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Test
Online Test Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (5 June 2023) 9:00 am AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Your unit coordinator (UC) for this unit is Dr. Jennifer Alphonse who is available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Lectures are provided by different industry experts and as such are recorded in different video platforms. Tutorials are offered throughout the term in the evenings or as required. The scheduling of tutorials will be posted via the News Forum. A link to the Zoom Tutorials is available in the Virtual Classroom tile and tutorial recordings will be made available under the specific week tiles in which the tutorials are offered.
This unit is a theoretical unit, designed to extend your knowledge related to paediatric ultrasound. It is important at a Master level that you regularly engage with current literature, and critically think about the content you read, and how it informs your clinical practice. You are encouraged to think about published literature related to advanced paediatric ultrasound, and the evidence which will underpin your sonographic clinical practice. Through the learning resources provided within this unit and the literature you engage with, your knowledge of ultrasound in relation to the sonographic assessment of the paediatric patient will expand. The unique and often specific pathologies encountered and the differences in sonographically assessing adults and children will be discussed. Demonstration of these sonographic differences will be provided, allowing you to incorporate your learning into your day-to-day clinical practice.
The assessment tasks utilized within this unit are designed to encourage you to engage with current literature more critically, rather than just learn theory from lectures.
1 Written Assessment
The written assessment for MEDS20007 requires you to prepare and submit an educational paper (2000 words).
The paper requires you to explore an advanced paediatric ultrasound examination, the sonographic technique required to demonstrate relative structural anatomy, normal sonographic appearance and either an unusual pathology or the incorporation of new technologies to assess the chosen structure and/or pathology. All submissions must include a critical review of current literature, agreements, or lack of consensus in reported findings and identifications of any potential gaps in knowledge to inform future research.
The paper must be written in a formal, objective, and technical academic writing style. Sonographic images and anatomical diagrams should be used where possible to enhance reader understanding and engagement. Figures/images and/or tables must be original or permission to re-use must be gained and reference to figures and tables must be demonstrated within the text of the paper.
The educational paper may be completed in one of three different formats:
1. Paper presenting a paediatric ultrasound narrative review
2. Paper presenting a paediatric ultrasound case report
3. Paper presenting a paediatric ultrasound case series
The educational paper needs to contain the following components:
- Introduction
The introduction will supply sufficient background information for the reader to understand and evaluate the chosen paediatric ultrasound topic and detail why it is relevant to the sonographic profession.
- Body of the Paper
Involves a critical review and synthesis of relevant literature related to the topic or case report/case series. Includes a discussion of;
-The relative sonographic anatomy to be imaged, the sonographic technique and subsequent normal sonographic appearance
-Pathologies or a specific pathology/injury that may be demonstrated and their abnormal sonographic appearances
-How the sonographic assessment of a paediatric patient differs to that of an adult patient
-Identification of new findings in current literature, that may not be well appreciated by sonographers
-Impact of new ultrasound technology(s) and the impact on paediatriac ultrasound
-Discussion of whether there are gaps in knowledge and whether further research is required to gain a consensus in the literature
- Conclusion
Re-state implications of findings and relevance for sonographic clinical practice and suggest areas for future directions.
- References
Depending on which type of format of an educational paper you choose to write and submit, an outline of further information regarding these different formats is provided below.
The educational paper which is a narrative review will summarise existing knowledge regarding your topic choice related to advanced paediatric sonography which has been published in current literature. Your research topic should be refined using the Problem, Intervention, and/or Comparison and Outcome model (PICO).
The body of the paper will be subdivided into:
- Methodology
- Results
- Discussion
The educational paper that incorporates a case report will contain a detailed discussion of the sonographic assessment of a single paediatric case which involves either:
- An unusual presentation of a paediatric condition and the sonographic imaging and assessment undertaken or
- The sonographic assessment of an uncommon clinical condition/injury, or uncommon sonographic finding
The educational paper that incorporates a case series will require you to discuss the sonographic assessment of multiple paediatric cases where a common theme was identified.
The body of the paper that incorporates a case report or case series will be subdivided into:
- Case and/or case series description
- Critical appraisal and detailed reflection of the included images related to the sonographic assessment
You will be required to obtain images from your own clinical sonographic practice to complete a case report or case series.
Week 8 Friday (5 May 2023) 4:00 pm AEST
via Moodle site
Return will be at or about week 10
Assessment criteria for assessment 1 is in accordance with the detailed marking rubric, available on the Moodle site.
Word limit 2000 words +/-10% excluding titles, headings, references and legends associated with images, figures and tables. All images are to be deidentified and if figures/images are taken from a peer review journal, permission from the publisher is required and evidence included in an appendix.
- Submission format is as a Word document.
- Font - Arial or Calibri, size 12 with 1.5 spacing.
- A plain cover page should be included specifying; unit code and unit name, educational paper title, your name and student number, unit coordinator and word count. No decoration or insertion of pictures on the cover page due to Turnitin requirements.
Written style, presentation and communication
- Information presented is synthesized into a unified, coherent, whole document which demonstrates internal coherence and logical flow
- There is a clear progression from introduction through to conclusion
- Literature reviewed is critically analyzed , relevant to the topic and reflected in the discussion
- Written and presented in a scholarly style which is also interesting and effective
- Findings are clearly communicated in a style that incorporates both specialist and non-specialist audience
- Findings are clearly articulated and demonstrate critical judgement
- Independently written and can foster intellectual debate
- Contributes information that is relevant and of value to the field concerned
- Writing is original
- Accurate, appropriate and complete in-text citations and reference list
- Appropriate language; clear, accurate and used to maximum effect
- Outstanding command of grammar, spelling and punctuation with thorough editing
- Evaluate sonographic imaging of the paediatric patient, including normal and abnormal sonographic appearances, and the use of sonographic findings to guide patient management.
- Research and evaluate the use of existing and emerging sonographic technology and imaging protocols to investigate the paediatric patient in a safe and ethical manner.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Online Test
You are required to complete an online test at the end of term to demonstrate your depth of knowledge gained relative to this unit. You will be assessed on the content covered in the whole unit (weeks 1 to 12). This includes material covered in lectures, tutorials and any additional resources and reading supplied during the term. The test involves a combination of question types, including short and long answer questions which require typed answers and some multi-choice questions. Image interpretation may be included in short and long answer questions.
This online test must be completed by you, without assistance or collusion with others. Any evidence of collusion will be dealt with in adherence with the CQU student academic integrity policy and procedure.
Review/Exam Week Monday (5 June 2023) 9:00 am AEST
The test will be open for 1 week from 9am Monday 5th June, 2023. You have 120 minutes to complete the test and you will need to allocate 120 minutes during the accessible period to complete it. The test cannot be paused once started, or reattempted once finished.
Results will be made available after marking is completed, however all grades are considered 'interim grades' until the unit grades are released (after they have been certified).
For multiple choice questions, you will be required to select the most appropriate answer from a selection of possible answers in relation to the question asked.
Typed response answers will be assessed according to:
- Use of appropriate medical and sonographic terminology/descriptors and directional terms
- Correct spelling of the terms
- Relevance of response to the question asked
- Adequate detail provided in the answer
- Depth of understanding demonstrated
- Evaluate sonographic imaging of the paediatric patient, including normal and abnormal sonographic appearances, and the use of sonographic findings to guide patient management.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
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?
