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A bit of an US update: training opportunities lower down.
You might want to save this email for reference.
I've had a number of queries recently about ultrasound requirements for CCT.
I'm very happy to discuss this with anyone individually or collectively who wishes, but thought I'd just confirm at the start of the year for you to avoid any confusion.
Nothing has changed since the new curriculum in 2021 regarding US requirements. I have confirmed this with the regional US training lead this week.
US should be assessed like any other competency through standard portfolio mechanisms, with the Educational supervisor reviewing this as per any other element.
If you haven't seen it, take a look at this from RCEM- hopefully demystifies things?
This means that as a trainee, you need:
To demonstrate Education through either attending a course or completing the RCEM eLearning module set (or both if you wish)
To demonstrate experience by building a log-book. There are indicative not mandated numbers of scans for each element.
The scans can be on a mix of patients and mannequins, and positive and normal findings. Some scans with 'gold standard corroboration' eg a CT report or theatre finding or
similar are beneficial.
IF anyone wants specific guidance on logbooks, you're welcome to speak to me or ask each other - there is no mandated style, but is should be anonymous in order to upload to your portfolio.
Entrustment Level 4 DOPS in the required five elements; Vascular access (logbook including PVC and CVC), AAA, eFAST/FAFF including lung, ELS, FIB. Details in the above RCEM SLO6 link.
Once you have completed all of these summative DOPS assessments to Level 4, you will have completed your Core ultrasound competencies (formerly called Level 1).
That's it. There is no final sign off, no finishing school, no regional US lead assessment or similar.
Please continue to record on Nervecentre the scans that you undertake, and any outcome from the scan, including if this was a training scan.
We need to collectively be better at our US governance, and i'm working through improving our systems to support this.
Supervision:
Ultrasound supervision will ideally be undertaken by consultants.
Many, but not all ,of our UHP ED consultants are able to provide ultrasound supervision.
Once you have completed core (level 1) ultrasound competencies yourself, are regularly using ultrasound in your clinical practice, and have at least 6 months experience post sign-off, RCEM considers that you are competent to sign off others.
Housekeeping
I'm aware that both of our 'new' US devices have been playing up with battery and with saving images/videos.
One is currently out of service being investigated.
I recommend keeping a USB stick on you to save images while we're having this issue.
Please do plug the machines in, and ensure the green mains power symbol is visible on the tp left of the screen. - a few times the kettle lead has been loose, and they are therefore not charged.
If you need a log-in for either device, please let me know. - a few mins of your time to familiarise you with our devices, and we can set that up.
Regional Core US training day, Buckfastleigh. 14th October: contact Martin Dore or Will Pollitt:
william.pollitt@nhs.net martin.dore@nhs.net
Consultant US refresher 15th October: contact Will or Martin.
A reminder/flag to sign up for 3rd Monday of the Month US training here: Ultrasound Sessions with Tom Odbert - Google Sheets
More dates to follow.
Finally, the BBraun rep will be in the dept on afternoon of 23rd Sept and we aim to practice some FIB techniques using their phantoms.
Any questions ,please ask.
Best wishes all,
Tom
EM POCUS lead.
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