PgCert in Basic Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Module 1: First Trimester/Early Pregnancy Ultrasound

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Analyse the needs of the patient undergoing early pregnancy ultrasound assessment.
• Demonstrate the requisite skills necessary to plan and perform high quality trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal early pregnancy ultrasound examinations safely, competently and professionally, according to the current evidence base.
• Interpret, critically evaluate and report upon the ultrasound findings, and where necessary, arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and contribute effectively to the multi-disciplinary healthcare team.
• Reflect critically upon the use of ultrasound in assessment and management of early pregnancy, the effectiveness of local early pregnancy ultrasound services and implications for delivery of high-quality patient care. 

Module 2: Second/Third Trimester Assessment in Pregnancy 

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: 

• Analyse the needs of the patient undergoing an ultrasound assessment in the second and third trimester. 
• Demonstrate the requisite skills necessary to plan and perform high quality trans-abdominal ultrasound examinations safely, competently and professionally, according to the current evidence base. 
• Understand the rationale behind performing 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancy ultrasound examinations and to do so safely, competently and professionally, according to the current evidence base. 
• Comprehensively assess fetal growth, using relevant methods and appropriate timing. 
• Apply effective screening methods and management strategies for abnormal fetal growth, Large for gestational age fetus and small for gestational age fetus. 
• Assess amniotic fluid and fetal well-being/biophysical profile in the third trimester. 
• Understand the rationale for Doppler assessment during the second/third trimester and perform an umbilical artery Doppler assessment accurately. 
• Understand third trimester management for fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and breech presentation. 
• Interpret, critically evaluate and report upon the ultrasound findings, and where necessary, arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and contribute effectively to the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. 

Module 3: Basic Gynaecology 

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: 

• Analyse the needs of the patient undergoing a gynaecological ultrasound assessment. 
• Demonstrate the requisite skills necessary to plan and perform high quality trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal early gynaecological ultrasound examinations safely, competently and professionally, according to the current evidence base. 
• Interpret, critically evaluate and report upon the ultrasound findings, and where necessary, arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and contribute effectively to the multi-disciplinary healthcare team. 
• Reflect critically upon the use of ultrasound in assessment and management of gynaecological conditions in women both pre and post-menopausal, the effectiveness of gynaecological ultrasound services and implications for delivery of high-quality patient care. 

Module 1: First Trimester/Early Pregnancy Ultrasound: 10 ECTs (NFQ Level 9) 

Module rationale: This module will focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical, supervised clinical scanning experience to develop competence in a broad range of first trimester ultrasound examinations. This includes recognition and interpretation of ultrasound appearances of normal and high-risk pregnancies and the assessment of early pregnancy complications. 

Module aim: The aim of this RCSI/ISUOG accredited module is to produce a competent, reflective and autonomous practitioner capable of safe and effective use of ultrasound in the assessment of early pregnancy. The importance of adhering to best practice in ultrasound through an increased awareness of professional guidelines and departmental protocols will be emphasised. 

Module 2: Second/Third Trimester Assessment in Pregnancy 10 ECTs (NFQ Level 9) 

Module rationale: This module will focus on the practical, supervised clinical scanning experience to develop competence in a broad range of second- and third-trimester ultrasound examinations. This includes recognition and interpretation of normal ultrasound appearances, completing biometric measurements to assess estimated fetal weight (EFW), assess fetal well-being/biophysical profile (BPP), measuring the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and assessment of placental function by obtaining an umbilical artery Doppler.   

Module aim: The aim of this RCSI/ISUOG accredited module is to produce a competent, reflective and autonomous practitioner capable of safe and effective use of ultrasound in the assessment of pregnancy in the second and third trimesters. The importance of adhering to best practice in ultrasound through an increased awareness of professional guidelines and departmental protocols will be emphasised. 

Module 3: Basic Gynaecology 10 ECTs (NFQ level 9) 

Module rationale: This module will focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical, supervised clinical scanning experience to develop competence in a broad range of gynaecological ultrasound examinations. This includes recognition and interpretation of normal anatomy of the female pelvis on ultrasound examination at different stages of life (pre-menopausal and post-menopausal) and an understanding of the normal physiology of the female menstrual cycle, appreciating the use of both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound where appropriate in completing biometric measurements to assess the uterus, the ovaries and the adnexa.  

Module aim: The aim of this RCSI/ISUOG accredited module is to produce a competent, reflective and autonomous practitioner capable of safe and effective use of ultrasound in a gynaecologic assessment. The importance of adhering to best practice in ultrasound through an increased awareness of professional guidelines and departmental protocols will be emphasised. 

*Please note: ISUOG lectures and MCQs are required only for the first module and need not be repeated for modules 2 and 3. All start dates to be confirmed.

Continuous monitoring:

A logbook of ultrasound examinations performed by the trainee (under the supervision of a qualified ultrasound practitioner) will be recorded by trainees and examined by the course tutor for completion and evaluation of standard of examination and image quality. 

Practical assessments:

Each programme participant will undergo three practical scanning assessments with feedback given to students by the course tutors/RCSI faculty.

1. Week 1-3: Observe skills of student while scanning/interacting with patients/report-writing/case management (four hours) provide feedback on level of skill and learning outcomes.

2.  Month 3: Observe skills of student scanning/interacting with patients/report-writing/case management (four hours) provide feedback on level of skill and learning outcomes.

3. Final assessment at six months-one year:  Observe skills of student while scanning/using trans abdominal (and where appropriate transvaginal scanning/sterilising transvaginal ultrasound probe) interacting with patients/ report writing/case management and interaction with the multidisciplinary team involved in the patients care (four hours). This assessment will include a case study discussion with input from the trainee on case management and report writing. The final practical assessment will result in a pass/fail outcome. Repeat assessments with recommendations for further practical training are allowed up to three attempts.

Post-assessment component:

• Review and reflection  
• Literature search and review  
• Online inter-professional communication and learning  

Overall result:

Pass/fail (final practical assessment 80%, case study discussion 10%, logbook assessment 10%).

Upon completing this course, participants receive ISUOG certification of completion of the theoretical course and RCSI certification of competence following three practical assessments.