Ultrasound e-learning update
It's hard to believe but the College of Radiographers' Image Interpretation non-obstetric ultrasound e-learning sessions are five years old. These valuable CPD and learning resources have been used by thousands of practitioners since their launch in 2012. The primary aim of this flexible online tool is to give users an interactive overview of six specific clinical areas of ultrasound: abdominal, vascular, gynaecological, head and neck, musculoskeletal and testes/prostate scanning. Each session includes images of normal and abnormal appearances as well as tips on report-writing and how to avoid common pitfalls associated with ultrasound imaging such as anisotropy and poor transducer contact. Interactive test questions invite readers to check their understanding. Information is matched, wherever possible, with national guidance and useful reference links are provided throughout.
Over the last few months, Hazel Edwards, module editor and senior sonographer, has been tasked with updating all 55 sessions. ''It's important to keep the sessions as contemporary as possible.'' she said, and went on ''It's surprising how frequently recommendations by organisations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence change. All the ultrasound sessions have been reviewed carefully and amended but I still would advise practitioners to go to the original references for themselves and to always cross-check with their local hospital protocol.
It was a pleasure working through the ultrasound modules and I was amazed at just how much detail and useful information is included. The task reminded me how easy it is to forget facts and appearances that you may not encounter every day so going through all the sessions again from scratch was a massive and valuable CPD experience for me. It's a shame the Health and Care Professions Council didn't single me out for audit this year!
These sessions have all have been coproduced by experts and/or very experienced practitioners. I'm convinced staff will find them helpful. The resource is easy to access and free of charge to all NHS employees, some staff working for independent providers and most students on recognised healthcare courses, so what's not to like?!''
Lyndsey Callion, Instructional Designer at e-Learning for Healthcare worked closely with Hazel during the revision process. She said ''The ultrasound sessions were accessed almost 7000 times in 2017. These vital updates ensure that ultrasound practitioners can trust the information, quality and accuracy. The e-learning works on Macs or PC as well as mobile, tablet or desktop. Sign up at https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk''
Charlotte Beardmore, Director of Professional Policy at The Society and College of Radiographers, was delighted with the updates and said ''Sincere thanks to Hazel and Lyndsey for all their hard work reviewing each session and bringing them all right up to date.''
There is an opportunity to post feedback at the end of every session completed, and the e-learning team welcomes your comments.