CQUniversity Unit Profile
MEDS20015 Procedural Ultrasound for Point of Care (PoCUS)
Procedural Ultrasound for Point of Care (PoCUS)
All details in this unit profile for MEDS20015 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

This unit aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) during interventional procedures. To enrol in this unit you must have access to ultrasound facilities to undertake ultrasound scans in a clinical environment with appropriate supervision. You will use PoCUS to identify anatomical structures and pathology prior to procedures. You will learn to use PoCUS dynamically to guide treatment and procedures. You will learn ultrasound interventional techniques and skills to optimise ultrasound images for documentation. You will apply your knowledge in the university and clinical context to accurately perform and document ultrasound procedures.

Details

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

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-requisite:MEDS20009 Science and Instrumentation of Ultrasound.

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 3 - 2023

Mixed Mode

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).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

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

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

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
2. Portfolio
Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Grading

This is a pass/fail (non-graded) unit. To pass the unit, you must pass all of the individual assessment tasks shown in the table above.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Evaluate the benefits and limitations of utilising medical ultrasound guidance during a medical procedure
  2. Apply medical ultrasound techniques to generate optimal visibility of the region of interest (ROI) for safe performance of a medical procedure
  3. Apply safe medical ultrasound techniques to generate appropriate ultrasound images for documentation purposes.

The International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) Point of care curriculum guidelines

3.3 Demonstration of how to generate and optimise an image- 2 and 3

3.4 Demonstration of good practice in point-of-care ultrasound- 1.2 and 3

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
1 - Written Assessment - 0%
2 - Portfolio - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
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 - 0%
2 - Portfolio - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

Emergency Point of Care Ultrasound

Edition: 2nd (2017)
Authors: Melniker, Lawrence A., Connolly, James A.
Wiley Blackwell
Chichester Chichester , England
ISBN: 9781119072874
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Point of Care Ultrasound Made Easy

Edition: 1st (2020)
Authors: John McCafferty, James M. Forsyth
Taylor & Francis Group
Oxfordshire Oxfordshire , England
ISBN: 9781000039511
Binding: eBook

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microphone and camera to attend the Zoom sessions
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kathleen Sweeney Unit Coordinator
k.sweeney@cqu.edu.au
Michelle Fenech Unit Coordinator
m.fenech@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction and planning considerations for ultrasound guided procedures: part 1 Begin Date: 06 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Ultrasound equipment, physics and controls.

Scan technique.

Ultrasound terminology.

Infection control.

 

 

Chapter

Course resources on Moodle (CRM).

Noble V & E. & Nelson B. Manual of Emergency and Critical Care Ultrasound 2nd Ed. 2011.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Introduction and planning considerations for ultrasound guided procedures: part 2 Begin Date: 13 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Normal sonographic appearance of vessels, nerves, skin, subcutaneous tissue.

Planning of approach.

Tips and tricks.

Chapter

CRM.

Noble V & E. & Nelson B. Manual of Emergency and Critical Care Ultrasound 2nd Ed. 2011.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Paracentesis and pleural drainage Begin Date: 20 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided drainage of abdominal and thoracic fluid.

Chapter

CRM.

Textbook Reading 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 - Ultrasound guided vascular access Begin Date: 27 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided vascular access.

 

Chapter

CRM.

Textbook Reading 

Events and Submissions/Topic

 

 

Break Week Begin Date: 04 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

No new content.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 - Ultrasound guided abscess drainage and joint effusions Begin Date: 11 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided abscess drainage and joint effusions.

Chapter

CRM.

Textbook Reading Chp16

Events and Submissions/Topic

 

 

Week 6 - Ultrasound guided tracheal intubation Begin Date: 18 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided tracheal intubation.

Chapter

CRM.

Textbook Reading 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Break Week Begin Date: 25 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

No new content.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 - Ultrasound guided regional nerve blocks: Introduction, trunk and neck Begin Date: 01 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided regional nerve blocks: Introduction, trunk and neck

Chapter

CRM.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1. Protocol for an ultrasound guided procedure. Due Wednesday 4pm AEST


Written Assessment: Protocol for one ultrasound guided procedure. Due: Week 7 Wednesday (3 Jan 2024) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 8 - Ultrasound guided regional nerve blocks: Limbs Begin Date: 08 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided regional nerve blocks: Limbs.

Chapter

CRM.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Ultrasound guided injections for bursa and joints Begin Date: 15 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided injections for bursa and joints

 

Chapter

CRM.

 

Events and Submissions/Topic

Residential School. Details of day and time given at the start of term.

Compulsory Online Induction for your campus is required to be completed prior to attending Residential School.

Week 10 - Ultrasound guided biopsy and foreign body marking/removal Begin Date: 22 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided biopsy.

Foreign body marking and removal.

Chapter

CRM.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 - Ultrasound guided bladder access and lumbar puncture Begin Date: 29 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Ultrasound guided bladder access.

Lumbar puncture.

 

Chapter

CRM.

Textbook Reading 

Events and Submissions/Topic

 

 

Week 12 - Revision Begin Date: 05 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

No new content.

Revision and working on Assessment 2.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2. Portfolio of 4 procedural cases. Due Friday 4ppm AEST.


Portfolio: Four interventional ultrasound examinations. Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Feb 2024) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The unit coordinator for this term is Kathleen Sweeney. Kathleen is based in Sydney and works with CQU on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The most efficient way to contact her is via email: k.sweeney@cqu.edu.au

Zoom tutorials will be held throughout the term. They are not compulsory but are recommended. They give an opportunity for interaction and discussion with the tutor and the other students. The tutorials will be recorded for later viewing (if there are live attendees). Tutorial times will be confirmed at the beginning of the term.

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment: Protocol for one ultrasound guided procedure.

Task Description

Ultrasound is a modality that can aid in performing safe image-guided procedures. It is often readily available, inexpensive, accessible, and portable. In addition, there is evidence that image-guided procedures have better outcomes for patients. However, it is operator dependent and training at a high level to use this technology is of paramount importance.

This assessment will require you to develop a protocol for one ultrasound guided procedure of your choice.

It must:

  • Be informed by current literature (evidence based)
  • Include ultrasound images and photos for demonstration of correct ultrasound probe and needle position
  • Use correct sonographic terminology
  • Include correct infection control techniques and safe practice
  • Include information regarding ultrasound probes, machine presets and image optimisation
  • Mention appropriate time for procedure with good patient care and informed patient consent
  • Be suitable for use by a non-ultrasound trained person in your peer group

 


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Wednesday (3 Jan 2024) 4:00 pm AEST

via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The protocol should contain relevant, organized, logical and coherent information with a clear and concise message relevant to your selected audience.

In-text references and the reference list must be accurate, complete and high quality and appropriate sources utilized to support your statements.

 

No particular word count is required, although 1500 words should be considered the maximum.

A marking rubric is available on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate the benefits and limitations of utilising medical ultrasound guidance during a medical procedure
  • Apply medical ultrasound techniques to generate optimal visibility of the region of interest (ROI) for safe performance of a medical procedure
  • Apply safe medical ultrasound techniques to generate appropriate ultrasound images for documentation purposes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio: Four interventional ultrasound examinations.

Task Description

You are required to develop and submit a portfolio consisting of four interventional ultrasound examinations performed by yourself or have been directly involved with. This will assist you to developing proficiency in performing procedural ultrasound. 
A portfolio of four (4) sonographic procedural examinations that you have conducted or observed in clinical practice is required to be submitted.

The portfolio will consist of:

1. Introduction to four cases

2. Outline of each of the four cases including:

- Clinical indications for the examination

- Description of the sonographic protocol used, and an outline of the ultrasound imaging obtained (stored static images and/or cine clips for documentation). Static images will be labelled to identify structures for educational purposes. The acquisition plane of the image must be described. All sonographic imaging must be de-identified.

- Justification for the procedure performed and what anatomy and pathology (if present) was demonstrated

- Critique of the imaging

- Report of the sonographic findings and post ultrasound guided procedural outcome using correct sonographic terminology

- Integration of findings into patient management post the ultrasound guided procedure

- Reflection on what went well, how the sonographic imaging may have been improved, what you could have done to improve the quality of the imaging produced (if needed) and what you may do differently in future studies to aid a diagnosis

3. Summary and learning points from the portfolio

4. References


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (9 Feb 2024) 4:00 pm AEST

via Moodle


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (16 Feb 2024)

via Moodle


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

Each case must be reviewed and signed by your clinical supervisor. You can collect these cases at the site of your clinical work.

They should address the following:

  • A brief demographic of patient
  • Clinical context
  • Description of the procedure performed
  • Most appropriate image
  • Self-reflection

Your portfolio will be assessed on:

  •  Academic writing including the layout and flow from beginning to end, succinct and relevant descriptions of the patient history, sonographic imaging and findings, critique of imaging performed and identification of areas for improvement if required and impact of imaging of patient management
  •  Use of evidence based information to support statements used
  •  Inclusion of images which are de-identified and labelled. All images must be referred to in-text and figure numbers provided
  •  Insight must be demonstrated with self-reflection and identification of learning points to enhance future practice.

 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate the benefits and limitations of utilising medical ultrasound guidance during a medical procedure
  • Apply medical ultrasound techniques to generate optimal visibility of the region of interest (ROI) for safe performance of a medical procedure
  • Apply safe medical ultrasound techniques to generate appropriate ultrasound images for documentation purposes.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

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?