Training activity information
Details
Identify normal and pathological features for a range of routine ultrasound examinations
- General abdominal
- Echocardiography
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Vascular
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Impact on image quality of ultrasound scanner and transducer, pre-sets and choice of scanning parameters
- Clinical protocols for image acquisition
- Common clinical measurements and normal ranges
- Typical artefacts in normal and pathological images
- Patient preparation and positioning
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- Consider specific insights you hope to gain regarding the visual characteristics of normal and diseased tissues on ultrasound.
- Think about your current knowledge of ultrasound anatomy and pathology and areas where you need to improve.
- Anticipate learning about the sonographic appearances of a range of common clinical conditions.
- Consider how image interpretation contributes to the diagnostic process in ultrasound.
- Discuss the specific range of routine ultrasound examinations to focus on with your training officer.
- Review relevant textbooks, online resources, or image databases on normal and pathological ultrasound appearances.
- Consider observing clinical ultrasound examinations to correlate the images with the clinical context.
- Familiarise yourself with the terminology used to describe normal and abnormal ultrasound findings.
- Reflect on your current ability to interpret medical images, specifically ultrasound.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the identification of normal and pathological features? Why are you doing it this way?
- What decisions are you making as you observe the ultrasound images and differentiate between normal and abnormal findings?
- What aspects of image interpretation feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort?
- How effective are your actions in correctly identifying normal and pathological features?
- What challenges are you facing in distinguishing subtle abnormalities or recognising normal variations?
- What can you learn about ultrasound image interpretation as it unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your existing knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology as seen on ultrasound?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering for analysing the ultrasound images?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment to correctly identify specific features?
- Are you focusing on the key diagnostic features for each type of examination?
On action
- What normal anatomical features were you able to identify on the ultrasound examinations?
- What pathological features did you observe?
- What were the key distinguishing characteristics between normal and pathological findings?
- How did this activity improve your ability to recognise normal and pathological features in ultrasound images?
- What specific knowledge or skills did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected findings or challenges in differentiating normal from pathological features? What did you learn from these?
- How will you apply this knowledge in future ultrasound observations or practical sessions?
- What areas of ultrasound imaging (e.g., specific anatomical regions or pathologies) would you like to focus on for further learning?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your skills in image interpretation?
Beyond action
- Reflect on the range of normal and pathological ultrasound features you identified. How has your ability to recognise these features evolved through subsequent clinical experience and image interpretation?
- Compare your initial observations with discussions you’ve had with sonographers or radiologists about specific cases. Have their interpretations provided new insights?
- Consider if you have encountered any challenging cases where the distinction between normal and pathological was difficult. How does this relate to your initial understanding?
- How has this training activity contributed to your foundational knowledge for observing and understanding clinical ultrasound scans across different applications?
- Has your ability to identify normal and pathological features improved your understanding of the learning outcomes related to interpreting ultrasound images?
- How will a strong foundation in recognising normal and pathological ultrasound features support your development towards independently interpreting images or advising on scanning parameters?
- What areas of ultrasound imaging (e.g., specific organ systems or pathologies) do you need to focus on further to enhance your recognition skills?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret routine MR and ultrasound images and advise on the choice of scanning parameters. |