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Module

MED8300 : Point of Care Ultrasound for Interventional Nephrology

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr James Andrews
  • Lecturer: Ms Kathia Fiaschi, Dr Rauri Clark, Dr Saeed Ahmed, Dr Shalabh Srivastava, Dr Sarah McCloskey
  • Owning School: School of Medical Education
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 15
Semester 2 Credit Value: 5
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

Aims

This module provides trainees with the underpinning theoretical knowledge required to perform point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) procedures of relevance to the field of Interventional Nephrology and to establish a quality assured POCUS practice within the requisite governance framework.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to Point of Care Ultrasound

History of ultrasound through to current day to contextualise advantages and disadvantages of ultrasound used in modern healthcare. Outlining the relevant regulatory bodies involved in point of care ultrasound use in the UK

Physics of ultrasound

Transducers and image formation

B-mode imaging

Doppler principles and applications in nephrology



Procedural ultrasound

Understand ultrasound image acquisition, optimisation and troubleshooting as it applies to performing native renal biopsies

Understand ultrasound image acquisition, optimisation and troubleshooting as it applies to performing transplant renal biopsies

Understand ultrasound image acquisition, optimisation and troubleshooting as it applies to performing central/ peripheral venous cannulation for vascular access

Understand ultrasound image acquisition, optimisation and troubleshooting as it applies to performing peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion

Ultrasound assessment of the AV fistula/ graft



Indications for ultrasound access assessment

AV fistula and graft anatomy

Strategic approach to access scanning

Identifying stenosis

Maturation assessment

Thrombosis

Pseudoaneurysm

Mapping access for needling sites



Governance and image reporting

Setting up a faculty for Point of Care Ultrasound

Developing a POCUS programme

Machine selection

Training and credentialing

Quality assurance, reporting and ongoing training

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion301:0030:00Prep work for assessments
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading401:0040:00Self-guided reading around lecture and workshop topics
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops48:0032:004 x 1 day PIP workshops including interactive teaching sessions to impart theoretical knowledge and workshop style sessions building on knowledge and including case based discussions and formative practice
Guided Independent StudyReflective learning activity101:0010:00Preparation of case studies, for discussion at workshop sessions
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery21:002:00Mandatory online surgery
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study861:0086:00Self-directed study
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Within workshop sessions, teaching sessions will explain concepts and develop theoretical knowledge regarding the application of ultrasound within the specialism of interventional nephrology [LO 1,2, 3 ]. Workshops are also used to provide opportunity for interaction, discussions and clarification to support learning is selected areas based on case study examples [LO 2 & 3]. Formative practice is embedded into workshop sessions, through the answering of single best answer questions akin to those used in the summative assessment and consideration, selection and preparation of case study material for workshop group discussion.

Surgery sessions will promote student engagement in their learning and will provide them with the opportunity to come together as a group to discuss taught and clinical issues around the subject area of the module. Q & A sessions will allow students to discuss issues around their learning and seek advice from the programme team.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Digital Examination602M60In person Inspera multiple choice examination (MCQ) - 40 questions each carrying 1 mark
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Presentation2M40Individual presentation, 10 mins presentation/5 mins questions and answers (In Person)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The MCQ Single Best Answer style question examination provides an opportunity to assess the students acquisition of appropriate knowledge regarding the application of point of care ultrasound in relation to interventional nephrology. Elements of this computer based examination will require the interpretation of data provided as either still or moving images in a digital format.

The Oral Presentation offers opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and understanding in the context of the clinical setting by selecting an appropriate case study based on their clinical experience. The assessment tests students' knowledge and understanding of the module and also feeds formatively into the case study assessment in MED8302.

Reading Lists

Timetable