Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Professional Practice

This module aims to develop students’ knowledge relating to the clinical application of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Students will have been introduced to musculoskeletal scanning including standard scanning protocols, this module will then enable students to explore the modality’s utilisation in contemporary healthcare.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is a modality in a growth phase; it can now be found in many clinical environments beyond the traditional domain of radiology.

A variety of professionals have incorporated this modality into their clinical practice, students can access mentorship in any appropriate clinical environment e.g. general practice, physiotherapy, sports medicine, rheumatology if they are able to find support from a suitably qualified mentor.

This module has been designed to provide a robust and transparent process for monitoring and assessment of students’ clinical progress and competence.

Start dates for this module are individually arranged. Please email msk@essex.ac.uk if you would like to discuss this in advance.

Learning outcomes

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

1. critically appraise and utilise all information from various sources to determine the most appropriate musculoskeletal ultrasound examination
2. analyse the needs of the patient in order to perform all aspects of the musculoskeletal ultrasound examination safely and competently
3. competently carry out musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations according to the evidence base
4. critically evaluate the musculoskeletal ultrasound findings and where necessary arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and practices
5. actively demonstrate proficiency in reporting musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations to reflect the clinical question raised
6. communicate clearly and effectively with clients, patients, carers and other healthcare professionals appropriately
7. critically reflect on personal and professional practice in order to challenge, develop and maintain standards in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging

• Attendance of an introductory module in musculoskeletal ultrasound, e.g. HS971.
• Students need to supply details of a suitably qualified mentor for this module who has agreed to support their learning and has access to an appropriate patient caseload.
• A relevant first degree OR a relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates ability to study at Level 7.
• A minimum of 1 year post-registration experience and relevant musculoskeletal experience.
• HCPC or equivalent registration e.g. in case of doctors (GMC) and Nurses (NMC), non-radiographer sonographers must evidence their qualification.
• Access to support in the work place, (or mentor’s workplace) to enable completion clinical learning requirements.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language we require an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 450/200.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Module Outline

Work based learning supported by university resources and an appropriately qualified mentor. Students should aim to complete the summative assessments within 12 months of registration on this module.

Placement

Students are not allocated a placement, the learning requirement involves work based learning. A mentor will need to be identified to enable this work based learning and support clinical skill development. Students are responsible for identifying an appropriate mentor and will not be able to register on this module without one.

Many students are supported by appropriately qualified mentors in their own work place, others access a mentor at the mentor’s work place. The university is able to direct students to some appropriately qualified independent mentors, there may be fees associated with these independent mentors.

Mentors will be guided by Clinical Skills Learning Documentation and will be provided with contact details of the module team who can be contacted if queries arise. The students and mentors will complete a learning contract with guidance from the university to outline aims of the mentored learning. Work place mentors need to complete documentation to provide evidence of the student’s learning.

The clinical department providing the mentoring needs to be able to provide:

• a wide range of examinations relevant to the area of clinical practice
• protected, supervised hands-on scanning time
• an appropriate number of suitably qualified staff to support them within the department
• tutoring from experienced professionals
• a supportive learning environment
• a clinical learning experience supported by evidence-based protocols and adhering to national recommendations where these exist

The clinical mentor should have a wide range of experience and must hold a recognised qualification in the area of practice being studied by the student. It is advisable that the clinical supervisor/mentor has a minimum of two years current clinical experience. An enthusiasm and ability to teach are essential qualities of a good clinical supervisor/mentor, which, coupled with knowledge and expertise are as important as the length of experience.

Students and mentors need to discuss the preparation for the summative practical examinations. Students must complete one formative practical assessment prior to the summative practical assessment with the attendance of the External Assessor. This must be documented and any concerns identified should be raised with the module leader.

Online

The module teaching material will be available to all registered students via the university’s intranet learning platform, Moodle.

This virtual learning environment will also be used as depository to a library of films. These edited films will present protocols for performing musculoskeletal ultrasound scans, they will also be matched to the scanning images. This technology brings the class room to the work place so students can learn in their work environment using their own ultrasound systems whilst being assisted by a ‘virtual sonographer’.

This technology has been used successfully in other modules and has received positive feedback from students who appreciate the ability to match their own practice with that of an expert.

Tutorials

There are no timetabled tutorials, students are encouraged to e-mail the module leader for learning support if required.

Skills

Clinical skills will be developed during this module. Students and mentors will be directed so that they the term ‘competency’ is defined within the context of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

• Four summative practical assessments
• No weighting, must be passed
• Learning outcomes: 1-6.

• Fees for 2024-25 (.PDF).

If you have any questions about the module fees please email msk@essex.ac.uk.

In the first instance approach your Education Liaison Manager to see if funding can be secured via the organisation you are working for.

To apply for an individual module please complete the module application form (.docx) and email to msk@essex.ac.uk for the attention of Sophie Young.