Obstetric Ultrasound PG (10162.2)

In this unit students will develop knowledge and clinical skills in the clinical practice of obstetric sonography across all three trimesters of pregnancy. This will include the appraisal of the developing fetus, multiple pregnancies, sonographic assessment of gestational age and growth, the use of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies and assessment of the cervix and placenta. Students will also develop and demonstrate appropriate scanning techniques and develop a critical analytical approach to identifying and understanding clinical questions that relate to the patient's condition to optimise scanning protocols, image quality and acquisition. Interpretation of sonographic findings will be underpinned by a thorough understanding of the relevant anatomic, physiologic and pathological processes.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Perform obstetric scans for each trimester of pregnancy to determine the: estimation of gestational age; evaluation of fetal growth and presentation; presence of certain structural fetal abnormalities and presence of any maternal complications with knowledge of maternal risk factors;
2. Present sonographic images demonstrating a logical and methodical approach to scanning and communicate findings clearly and accurately;
3. Recognise a range of normal and abnormal image appearances of the areas listed in the syllabus and explain the contributing role and nature of pathologic and developmental processes;
4. Explain the significance of clinical tests and complementary modalities relevant to topics within the syllabus;
5. Obtain an advanced beginner practitioner level of competence in obstetric ultrasound examinations as assessed by a UC approved Accredited Medical Sonographer; and
6. Critically evaluate their own professional practice.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

Enrolment in Graduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Ultrasound physical principles and scanning skills that would be gained from the successful completion of the units 10159 Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation and 10160 Introduction to Ultrasound.

Students must have a clinical sonography training position or have access to a clinical sonography training site.