Training activity information
Details
Optimise ultrasound images during a selection of routine scans for:
- Arterial
- Venous
- Extracranial arterial
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
- Principles of ultrasound imaging, including ultrasound frequency
- Transducers and beam forming
- B Mode controls
- Colour controls (e.g. gain, PRF, colour box size/steer and priority)
- Spectral doppler controls and the sources of errors when measuring velocity
- Artifact causes and corrections and patient centred care and support
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
- What do you already know about the principles of ultrasound physics and how they relate to optimising B-mode, colour Doppler, and spectral Doppler images in these different vascular areas?
- What specific scanner controls and adjustments do you anticipate needing to use for each type of scan to achieve optimal image quality?
- What challenges do you anticipate encountering when trying to optimise images in different patient presentations or anatomical variations, and how might you address them?
In action
- What B-mode, Colour Doppler and Spectral Doppler scanner controls are you and why are you making these specific adjustments for the current vessel and patient?
- How effectively are your adjustments improving image quality?
- What challenges are you encountering in optimising the images and what alternative approaches are you trying?
- Are there aspects of the image optimisation that feel intuitive based on your previous experience, and what aspects require more conscious effort and thought?
- Are you working within the established scanning protocols and guidelines while attempting to optimise the images?
On action
- Describe the types of routine scans you performed and the specific adjustments you made to optimise the ultrasound images for each. What were the initial image qualities like, and what changes did you observe after your adjustments?
- Were there any particular challenges in optimising images for certain scan types or patient presentations?
- How confident did you feel in your ability to adjust the ultrasound machine parameters to achieve optimal image quality?
- What specific parameters did you adjust effectively?
- Were there any areas where you found it more challenging to achieve the desired image?
- Did you notice any intuitive aspects of your practice or areas that required more conscious effort?
- Did you require guidance from a senior colleague to optimise the images or were you able to figure out how to optimise the images on your own?
- What specific techniques or approaches for image optimisation will you remember and apply in future scans?
- Are there any specific scan types where you feel you need further practice in image optimisation?
- How do you think you can further develop your learning and skill for image optimisation, e.g. resources or further learning?
Beyond action
- How has your ability to optimise ultrasound images evolved since you first engaged in this DTA? Consider how subsequent DTAs or clinical experiences have influenced your ability and approach.
- Looking back at your initial reflections on optimising images, what new insights can you bring based on your current understanding of ultrasound physics? Do you feel more image optimisation techniques are intuitive now?
- How has the knowledge and skills gained from this DTA contributed to your ability to perform and interpret other types of ultrasound scans you have encountered since?
- Can you identify specific instances in your more recent practice where your understanding of image optimisation, developed through this DTA and later experiences, has directly impacted the quality of a scan or the diagnostic information obtained?
- What areas do you feel you still need to improve on in relation to image optimisation?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Assess vascular anatomy using ultrasound. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Apply the principles of ultrasound safety and ergonomics whilst performing a scan. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Apply the principles of ultrasound physics to adjust and optimise an ultrasound machine to obtain quality images. |