Training activity information
Details
Design and construct an in-house phantom for QA or training
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
- For example: gelatine/Agar phantoms
- Acoustical and physical properties
- Phantom application
- Advantages and limitations of phantoms
- Phantom lifetimes and maintenance
- Tissue mimicking phantom ingredients and recipes
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
- Explore the different types of phantoms used for QA and training in ultrasound, and their specific design features and materials.
- Understand the specific QA or training need that your phantom will address.
- What characteristics will it need to have?
- Consider the practical aspects of phantom construction, including available materials and tools.
- Consider the specific skills you hope to gain in phantom design and construction.
- Think about what you already know about ultrasound physics and image quality.
- How do phantom characteristics relate to image appearance and measurement accuracy?
- Anticipate learning about the challenges and considerations involved in creating a useful and effective phantom.
- Discuss the specific requirements and goals for the phantom with your training officer or supervisor.
- Research existing phantom designs and the materials used in their construction.
- Consider the practical steps involved in building the phantom and any potential safety considerations.
- Identify how you feel about this design and construction task. Do you have any prior experience with similar projects?
In action
- What materials and construction techniques are you currently using to build the phantom?
- How are you ensuring the phantom has the desired characteristics for QA or training purposes?
- What measurements or tests are you performing on the phantom as you construct it to ensure it meets your specifications?
- What design choices are you making as you proceed with the construction?
- Are you documenting your design and construction process?
- Is the phantom taking shape as you envisioned?
- What challenges are you encountering in sourcing materials or implementing your design?
- What are you learning about phantom design and construction through this hands-on experience?
- How do the characteristics of the materials you are using affect the properties of the phantom?
- If your initial design proves difficult to implement, are you considering alternative approaches or materials?
- Do you need to consult any literature or experienced colleagues for guidance on phantom construction?
- Are you ensuring the phantom is being constructed safely and will be fit for its intended purpose?
On action
- What were the main challenges you encountered in the design and construction of the in-house phantom?
- How did the materials and construction techniques you used affect the properties of the phantom?
- Did the phantom meet the initial specifications you had in mind for QA or training purposes?
- What new knowledge or skills did you gain in phantom design and construction?
- Did you develop a better understanding of the principles behind tissue-mimicking materials and their importance in QA and training?
- What did you learn about the practical considerations involved in creating a functional and effective phantom?
- How will this experience influence your approach to future phantom design or selection?
- What areas for continued development have you identified in your understanding of phantom materials and construction techniques?
- What specific actions will you take to further develop your skills in this area?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice, for example, in assessing existing phantoms?
Beyond action
- Have you had opportunities to use the phantom you created or observe others using it for QA or training?
- Looking back at your design and construction process, and your reflect-on-action notes, would you approach it differently now based on what you’ve learned since?
- Have you encountered commercially available phantoms and compared their design and properties to your in-house creation?
- Has your experience designing a phantom enhanced your understanding of the properties required for effective QA and training tools?
- Are you more aware of the limitations and potential artefacts associated with different types of phantoms as a result of this activity?
- How has this hands-on experience contributed to your broader understanding of the principles of ultrasound imaging and its assessment?
- How can your experience in phantom design inform your future evaluation of new QA tools, and how might these practical, problem-solving skills support you in future training or education roles?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Use ultrasound scanners, applying basic and advanced modality controls. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Deliver training to other clinical or non-clinical staff about principles of ultrasound and ultrasound safety. |