Module information
Details
- Title
- Advanced Practice - Venous
- Type
- Specialist
- Module code
- S-V-S3-2
- Credits
- 10
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module provides the trainee with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills to safely and confidently accept referrals, perform a full diagnostic scan and descriptive report of lower limb venous disease and understand its importance in the patient treatment pathway.
Work-based content
Competencies
| # | Learning outcome | Competency | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Learning outcome 1,9 |
Competency
Triage incoming referrals for:
|
Action View |
| # 2 | Learning outcome 2,4,9 |
Competency
Perform optimised ultrasound scans to identify an above knee DVT |
Action View |
| # 3 | Learning outcome 2,4,9 |
Competency
Perform optimised ultrasound scans to identify a below knee DVT |
Action View |
| # 4 | Learning outcome 5,8,9 |
Competency
Analyse and interpret ultrasound scans to diagnose a DVT |
Action View |
| # 5 | Learning outcome 3,4,9,10 |
Competency
Perform optimised ultrasound scans to identify incompetence of the greater saphenous and short saphenous veins and any associated branches including perforators |
Action View |
| # 6 | Learning outcome 3,4,9,10 |
Competency
Perform optimised ultrasound scans to identify deep venous insufficiency |
Action View |
| # 7 | Learning outcome 5,8,9 |
Competency
Analyse and interpret the results of the lower limb venous scans, including:
|
Action View |
| # 8 | Learning outcome 6 |
Competency
Produce descriptive clinical reports for the following:
|
Action View |
| # 9 | Learning outcome 3,9 |
Competency
Assess the suitability of veins for use as a bypass graft |
Action View |
| # 10 | Learning outcome 7,8 |
Competency
Communicate findings of venous scans to:
|
Action View |
Assessments
Complete 2 Case-Based Discussions
Complete 2 DOPS or OCEs
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Perform full ultrasound assessment of the leg deep veins from the CFV to ankle including calf veins, gastrocnemius and soleal veins.
- Perform a primary venous insufficiency scan.
- Identify and assess the thigh and calf perforators for patency and competence.
Observed Clinical Event Titles
- Explain results of a scan to a patient.
- Discuss treatment options with a patient or colleague.
Learning outcomes
| # | Learning outcome |
|---|---|
| 1 | Review and triage referrals for lower limb venous disease. |
| 2 | Assess lower limb venous thrombosis using ultrasound. |
| 3 | Assess venous insufficiency using ultrasound. |
| 4 | Apply ultrasound physics to correctly optimise an ultrasound scan of the lower limb veins. |
| 5 | Analyse and interpret ultrasound findings for venous disease of the lower limbwith reference to haemodynamics. |
| 6 | Produce an interpretive clinical report of the lower limb vein ultrasound findings. |
| 7 | Identify and communicate the scan results to patients and the multidisciplinary team. |
| 8 | Summarise the treatment pathways for lower limb venous disease. |
| 9 | Appraise the impact of research evidence on national guidelines. |
| 10 | Apply ultrasound scanning techniques to assess patients with complex pathophysiology. |
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Differentiate between the range of venous disease and critically appraise the clinical consequences and treatment options.
- Critically evaluate the expected co-morbidity associated with venous disease and explain the health and safety risks during the investigation and how they are managed.
- Analyse and interpret peripheral venous ultrasound images and associated spectral data.
- Critically evaluate the need to convey complex scientific information relating to venous disease to inform multidisciplinary teams of the diagnostic results, conclusions and consequences.
- Critically appraise evidence-based guidelines relating to venous disease investigation and management.
Indicative content
Venous Anatomy
- Venous anatomical variants relevant to ultrasound scanning
Venous Diseases
- Venous ulcers and differentiation with ultrasound
- Venous
- Arterial
- Swollen leg causes and differentiation with ultrasound
- Oedema
- Lymphodoema
- Venous
- Cellulitis
- Congestive heart failure
- Arterial
- DVT
- PTS
Venous Incompetence
Current treatments and patient management
- Medical
- Endovascular
- Surgical
- Emerging treatments
- (e.g. MOCA)
- Pathways guidelines and recommendations
Ultrasound scanning-venous incompetence
- Role of ultrasound in diagnosis
- Protocol recommendations
- Primary and recurrent veins
- Limitations and technical challenges
- Reporting recommendations
- Vein assessment for various endovascular treatments
Venous Thrombosis
- DVT symptoms and diagnosis
- Acute and chronic DVT
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Pathways guidelines and recommendations
Current treatments and patient management
- Medical
- Endovascular
- Surgical
- Emerging treatments
- Iliac vein stents and venous surveillance
Ultrasound scanning – DVT
- Protocol recommendations
- Role of ultrasound in diagnosis
- Limitations and technical challenges
- Reporting recommendations
PTS
- Symptoms and diagnosis
- Role of ultrasound in diagnosis
Alternative diagnostic modalities for DVT and incompetence
- Venography CT and MR
- Photoplethysmography PPG
Other Findings and Differential Diagnosis
- Baker’s cyst
- Pseudoaneurysm
- Muscle tears
- Haematoma
- Abscess
- Haemangioma
Vein Mapping for Bypass Grafts
- Mapping protocol recommendations
AV Malformations
A-V Fistulas for Haemodialysis Access
- Fistula types
- Mapping protocol recommendations
RSI and Safe Scanning
- Guidelines and recommendations from professional bodies
- Protocols for safe scanning
Clinical experiences
Important information
Clinical experiential learning is the range of activities trainees may undertake in order to gain the experience and evidence to demonstrate their achievement of module competencies and assessments. The list is not definitive or mandatory, but training officers should ensure, as best training practice, that trainees gain as many of these clinical experiences as possible. They should be included in training plans, and once undertaken they should support the completion of module assessments and competencies within the e-portfolio.
Activities
- Attend a foam sclerotherapy treatment clinic.
- Attend a radiofrequency ablation or similar alternative treatment session.
- Attend a venous surgical procedure.
- Attend a vascular consultant outpatient clinic which includes venous disease patients.
- Attend a venous ulcer clinic.
- Attend a clinic for patients with DVT.