Training activity information
Details
Critically appraise an advanced ultrasound technique or technology and the clinical applications for at least one of the following:
- Elastography
- Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)
- High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
- Photo acoustics
- 3D ultrasound tomography
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
- Literature and evidence base
- Clinical context and potential patient benefit
- Advantages, weaknesses, opportunities and problems for clinical application
- System design and operation
- Advantages and limitations of techniques
- Clinical applications
- Standards and guidance
- Clinical evaluation and validation of new techniques
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
- Choose one of the listed advanced ultrasound techniques to focus on.
- Research the chosen technique in detail, including its underlying principles, technical aspects, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and current evidence base.
- Consider the criteria you will use to critically appraise the technique (e.g., evidence of clinical benefit, cost-effectiveness, potential risks, ease of implementation).
- Consider the specific skills you hope to develop in critically evaluating new technologies and their application in healthcare.
- Think about what you already know about ultrasound and how this advanced technique builds upon or differs from conventional methods.
- Anticipate learning about the process of evaluating scientific literature and forming evidence-based opinions on new medical technologies.
- Discuss your choice of advanced technique with your training officer or a relevant expert.
- Conduct a thorough literature review using scientific databases and other relevant resources.
- Consider different perspectives on the clinical utility of the chosen technique.
- Identify how you feel about undertaking this critical appraisal.
- Do you feel equipped to evaluate complex scientific information?
In action
- Which specific advanced ultrasound technique/technology are you currently focusing on for your appraisal?
- What resources (e.g., research articles, clinical guidelines, equipment specifications) are you actively reviewing?
- How are you analysing the information you are gathering regarding its principles, advantages, limitations, and clinical utility?
- What criteria are you using to critically evaluate the technique or technology?
- How are you structuring your appraisal as you gather and analyse information?
- Are you finding sufficient and relevant information to support your appraisal?
- What challenges are you encountering in understanding the technical aspects or clinical applications of the chosen technique/technology?
- What are you learning about the critical appraisal process itself as you undertake this activity?
- How does this advanced technique compare to more conventional ultrasound methods?
- If you are struggling to find specific information, are there alternative search strategies or resources you could explore?
- Do you need to discuss your understanding of the technique with a senior colleague to clarify any points?
- Are you ensuring that your appraisal is balanced and considers different perspectives on the technique or technology?
On action
- What were the key strengths and limitations of the advanced ultrasound technique or technology you appraised?
- What were the main clinical applications and potential benefits you identified?
- What evidence (e.g., from research articles) did you find to support your appraisal?
- What new knowledge did you gain about the specific advanced ultrasound technique or technology you focused on?
- Did you develop a better understanding of the process of critically appraising scientific literature and clinical applications?
- What did you learn about the potential future role of this technique in healthcare?
- How will this experience influence your approach to evaluating new ultrasound technologies in the future?
- What areas for continued development have you identified in your ability to critically appraise advanced imaging techniques?
- What specific actions will you take to further develop your skills in this area, such as reading more research or discussing with colleagues?
- How does this experience relate to the requirements for post-programme practice?
Beyond action
- Have you encountered the advanced ultrasound technique you appraised in clinical practice or in further research?
- Looking back at your critical appraisal and your reflect-on-action notes, has your perspective on the strengths, limitations, and clinical utility of this technique evolved based on new evidence or experiences?
- Have you critically appraised other advanced imaging techniques, and how did your initial experience inform your subsequent evaluations?
- Has your understanding of the evidence base for advanced ultrasound techniques influenced your awareness of their appropriate clinical applications?
- Have you applied the critical appraisal skills you developed to evaluating other scientific literature or new clinical protocols?
- How has this activity contributed to your broader understanding of the evolving role of ultrasound in healthcare?
- How will your ability to critically evaluate new technologies and your understanding of the research process inform your decision-making in future leadership or service development roles?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Use ultrasound scanners, applying basic and advanced modality controls. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret clinical ultrasound images. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Assess the performance and safety of ultrasound scanners used in common clinical applications, including advanced imaging techniques. |