Training activity information
Details
Perform quality assurance of the doppler modes on a vascular system
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
- Doppler phantom selection
- Common clinical measurements and normal ranges
- Doppler penetration
- Doppler noise
- Measurement of % error in doppler measurements
- Intrinsic spectral broadening
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 specific quality assurance protocols for Doppler modes on vascular systems used in your department.
- Understand the principles of each Doppler mode and the common artefacts or performance issues that can arise.
- Familiarise yourself with any test objects or flow phantoms used for Doppler QA.
- Consider the specific practical skills you hope to gain in assessing the performance of different Doppler modes.
- Think about what you already know about Doppler physics and its application in vascular imaging.
- How do QA procedures help ensure accurate flow assessment?
- Anticipate learning about common Doppler-related problems and how to identify them using QA tests.
- Discuss the specific vascular ultrasound system and QA protocols with your training officer or a vascular sonographer.
- Review the relevant quality assurance manuals and Doppler principles.
- Consider potential challenges, such as setting up the test equipment or interpreting the results, and how you might address these.
- Identify how you feel about performing these Doppler-specific QA procedures.
- Are you confident in your understanding of Doppler imaging?
In action
- Which specific doppler modes (e.g., CW, PW, colour doppler) are you currently testing?
- What phantoms or flow models are you using for this quality assurance?
- What parameters are you assessing (e.g., velocity accuracy, gate size, colour flow sensitivity)?
- How are you measuring and recording the performance of the doppler modes?
- What image optimisation steps are you taking during the QA process?
- Are you able to obtain clear and consistent doppler signals from the phantom?
- What challenges are you facing in accurately assessing the performance of each doppler mode?
- What are you learning about the strengths and limitations of the different doppler modes through this QA process?
- How do the QA procedures for doppler compare to those for B-mode imaging?
- If you are encountering issues with signal quality or measurement accuracy, what adjustments are you making to the scanner settings or your testing technique?
- Do you need to refer to QA protocols or seek advice on troubleshooting doppler performance issues?
- Are you ensuring that you are following appropriate procedures for operating the vascular ultrasound system and QA phantoms?
On action
- What were the key parameters you assessed during the quality assurance of the Doppler modes (e.g., velocity accuracy, gate size, colour flow sensitivity)?
- What were the common issues or limitations you observed in the performance of the different Doppler modes (CW, PW, colour Doppler)?
- How did the phantom or flow model you used influence your observations?
- What new knowledge or skills did you gain in performing quality assurance specifically for Doppler modes on a vascular system?
- Did you develop a better understanding of the factors affecting Doppler signal quality and accuracy?
- What did you learn about the importance of regular QA for the clinical utility of Doppler ultrasound in vascular diagnosis?
- How will this experience inform your future quality assurance procedures for vascular Doppler systems?
- What areas for continued development have you identified in your understanding of Doppler physics or QA protocols?
- 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?
Beyond action
- Have you subsequently performed QA on Doppler modes in other vascular systems or encountered different types of Doppler phantoms?
- Revisiting your reflections for this activity, has your understanding of the parameters affecting Doppler signal quality (e.g., velocity accuracy, colour flow sensitivity) since improved?
- Have you observed clinical applications of Doppler ultrasound and related the image quality and diagnostic information to the underlying QA principles you learned?
- Has your understanding of Doppler QA influenced how you optimise Doppler settings and interpret Doppler images in your current work?
- Are you more aware of potential Doppler artefacts or limitations due to equipment performance as a result of this training activity? How has this activity contributed to your ability to critically evaluate the technical aspects of vascular ultrasound examinations?
- How will your systematic approach to Doppler QA support your ability to ensure accurate diagnoses as you gain more responsibility, and how will this knowledge help you adapt to advancements in vascular technology?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Use ultrasound scanners, applying basic and advanced modality controls. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Assess the performance and safety of ultrasound scanners used in common clinical applications, including advanced imaging techniques. |