Training activity information
Details
Draft reports for a normal carotid ultrasound scan
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
- Communication skills
- Local SOPs
- National and international guidance
- Terminology and audience
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 are the essential components that should be included in a report for a normal carotid ultrasound scan?
- What specific terminology and language are appropriate for documenting normal anatomical and haemodynamic findings?
- What resources or guidelines (e.g., departmental protocols) will you consult to ensure your report is accurate and comprehensive?
- What national guidelines are there that state the correct reporting criteria for carotid ultrasound scans? Do you feel confident in applying these?
In action
- As you perform the scan and identify normal findings, what key pieces of information are you mentally noting or documenting that will be essential for the report?
- Are you using appropriate and accurate terminology to describe the normal anatomical and haemodynamic findings you are observing?
- What aspects of a normal carotid scan are you prioritising for inclusion in the report as you are performing the examination?
- Are you considering the structure and format typically used for carotid ultrasound reports in your department as you proceed with the scan?
- How are you ensuring you obtain all the information required to meet the reporting requirements in your department?
On action
- What were the key elements you included in your reports for normal carotid ultrasound scans? What information did you consider essential to document? Did you follow a specific reporting structure or template?
- How effectively were you able to translate your scan findings and interpretations into a written report? How confident were you in selecting the appropriate terminology and information to include? Were there any aspects of report drafting that you found challenging?
- How did you ensure the report effectively relayed the information from the scan to other clinicians?
- What aspects of your report writing will you focus on improving? How will you use the resources available to you to do this?
Beyond action
- Looking back at your initial attempts at drafting reports, how has your reporting style and the level of detail you include evolved over time? Consider feedback you may have received on subsequent reports.
- How has your increasing experience in performing and interpreting carotid scans influenced the clarity and accuracy of your reports?
- Have you compared your reporting with local or national guidelines since this DTA? How has this influenced your approach to drafting reports for normal carotid scans and other vascular examinations?
- In what ways has the skill of report drafting for normal findings prepared you for drafting reports of more complex or pathological cases encountered later in your training?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 8 |
Outcome
Prepare the associated diagnostic clinical reports of the ultrasound scan performed. |