Training activity information
Details
Investigate the effects of user selectable parameters applied during scanning on the resulting image quality, contrast, resolution and safety indices for a range of routine US B-mode pre-sets
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
- User selectable parameters: gain, depth, dynamic range, time gain compensation (TGC), zoom (focal number and position, harmonic imaging, output, transmit frequency and post processing
- Safety indices and guidelines
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 practical impact of adjusting ultrasound scanning parameters.
- Think about your current understanding of the relationship between ultrasound physics and image characteristics.
- Anticipate learning how to optimise ultrasound protocols for specific imaging tasks while considering safety.
- Consider how to document and present the findings of your experimental investigations.
- Discuss the specific US B-mode pre-sets to be investigated and the available ultrasound system with your training officer.
- Review the principles of B-mode ultrasound image formation and the role of key parameters (e.g., depth, focus, frequency, gain, TGC, output power).
- Familiarise yourself with the ultrasound system’s user interface and parameter adjustment options.
- Plan your experimental approach, including the parameters to vary and the methods for assessing the resulting images and safety indices.
- Reflect on your current knowledge of ultrasound physics and practical scanning techniques.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the manipulation of ultrasound parameters and observing their effects on B-mode images and safety indices? Why are you doing it this way?
- What decisions are you making as you adjust parameters and evaluate the resulting image quality, contrast, resolution, and safety information?
- What aspects of understanding the practical impact of ultrasound parameters feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort?
- How effective are your actions in demonstrating the relationship between user-selectable parameters and the resulting B-mode image characteristics and safety indices?
- What challenges are you facing in discerning subtle changes in image quality or understanding the impact on safety indices?
- What can you learn about the practical operation of ultrasound scanners as it unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of ultrasound physics and image formation?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering for investigating the effects of the parameters?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment to understand specific parameter functions or interpret the safety indices?
- Are you systematically varying the parameters and carefully documenting the observed changes?
On action
- How did adjustments to user-selectable parameters alter the B-mode image quality (e.g., detail, artefacts)?
- What effects did these changes have on image contrast and resolution?
- Did any parameter adjustments impact the displayed safety indices (thermal and mechanical indices)?
- What did you learn about the influence of B-mode parameters on ultrasound image characteristics?
- How did this investigation highlight the importance of parameter selection in optimising image quality for specific clinical applications?
- What considerations need to be taken into account regarding safety indices when adjusting parameters?
- How will this knowledge guide your selection of B-mode pre-sets and parameter adjustments in future ultrasound practice?
- What further exploration of advanced B-mode techniques or specific clinical applications would be beneficial?
- What support or resources might you need to further develop your practical ultrasound skills?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your investigation of ultrasound B-mode parameters. Can you recall the impact of different settings on image quality and safety indices?
- Have you had opportunities in clinical practice to adjust these parameters based on the patient or the clinical question?
- How did your findings from this training activity guide your adjustments?
- Consider if your understanding of ultrasound physics and technology has evolved, and how this relates to the practical effects you observed.
- How has this activity improved your ability to acquire ultrasound images and apply appropriate user-controllable parameters?
- Has your awareness of safety considerations related to ultrasound parameters (e.g., thermal and mechanical index) been heightened by this investigation?
- How will a detailed understanding of B-mode parameter effects be beneficial in future roles involving optimising ultrasound protocols or training others in ultrasound techniques?
- What further explorations of advanced ultrasound imaging modes or the interplay of different parameters would you be interested in undertaking?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Assess the safety of the clinical application of non-ionising radiation. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Acquire MR and ultrasound images and apply appropriate user-controllable parameters. |