Advanced Transthoracic Echocardiography

Details

Title

Advanced Transthoracic Echocardiography

Type

Stage Two

Module code

HPS135

Requirement

Optional

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to advanced transthoracic echocardiography, will be able to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge while developing advanced skills in transthoracic echocardiography and reporting and interpreting complex transthoracic studies. The Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to lead a transthoracic echocardiographic service, including responsibility for the quality assurance and training of other practitioners, while demonstrating the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge of advanced transthoracic echocardiography, including:

• instrument settings;
• calculation of left ventricular (LV) mass and volume, including abnormal geometry with normal mass, and the prognostic importance of LV geometry;
• quantitative Doppler techniques including PISA, resistance, regurgitant fractions;
• types, normal function and abnormalities of prosthetic heart valves;
• the principles of 3D echocardiography;
• the principles of speckle tracking, including strain imaging;
• the role of intravascular contrast agents for opacification of the left ventricular cavity and assessment of wall motion;
• the principles of Doppler tissue imaging including strain imaging.
• national and international recommendations and guidelines for the following:
  • indications for echocardiography
  • standards for performing and reporting of echocardiograms
  • institutional accreditation for echocardiography departments
  • training and supervision
  • the roles of clinical and technical leadership in echocardiography departments

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance, adaptation and mastery of a range of clinical and communication skills and will:

• assess complex heart valve disease, including severity, suitability for repair/percutaneous procedures and effects on ventricular function;
• assess prosthetic valve dysfunction;
• assess complex CHD in adults;
• perform a detailed assessment in heart failure;
• perform a detailed assessment of ventricular structure and function in inherited and acquired heart muscle disease;
• assess mechanical dyssynchrony, suitability for cardiac resynchronisation therapy and perform echo-optimisation of biventricular pacemakers.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations consistently demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence, referring as appropriate to senior staff, and will:

• collaborate with specialists in other imaging modalities;
• reflect on practice;
• judge a test result in the clinical context;
• plan and deliver practical and theoretical education and training in echocardiography, evaluating each session and developing action plans to improve teaching;
• take a leadership role in the organisation and administration of cardiac services;
• lead training and clinical supervision;
• work collaboratively with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, other medical staff, healthcare science practitioners, echocardiographers and nurses.