Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Professional Practice (Non-UK variant)

Students with prior knowledge of musculoskeletal scanning, including safety aspects and scanning protocols, will register on this module which will explore the modality's utilisation in an appropriate clinical environment.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is a modality in a growth phase throughout the World; it can now be found in many clinical environments beyond the traditional hospital setting. A variety of professionals have incorporated this modality into their clinical practice, and thus students can access mentorship in any appropriate clinical environment e.g. general practice, physiotherapy, sports medicine, rheumatology, radiology.

This module has been designed to provide a robust and transparent process for monitoring and assessment of students' clinical progress and competence, within their own country of practice.

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

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Critically appraise and utilise all information from various sources to determine the most appropriate musculoskeletal ultrasound examination.
• Analyse the needs of the patient in order to perform all aspects of the musculoskeletal ultrasound examination safely and competently.
• Competently carry out musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations according to the evidence base.
• Critically evaluate the musculoskeletal ultrasound findings and where necessary arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and practices.
• Actively demonstrate proficiency in reporting musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations to reflect the clinical question raised.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, patients, carers and other healthcare professionals appropriately.
• 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. SE715.
• 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.
• Current Registration with the relevant UK or equivalent international professional body, evidencing 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

The module will be delivered via:

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. Students are encouraged to access support from more than one mentor clinician if this is possible. Many students are supported by appropriately qualified mentors in their own workplace, others access a mentor at the mentor's workplace.

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 classroom to the workplace so students can learn in their work environment while using their own ultrasound systems. Region specific presentations are available, with suggested tasks for students to undertake, as well as links to specific literature and online resources.

Materials will be provided online and students will be supported clinically by their mentors and encouraged to set-up regular sessions with their mentors. There is a new Moodle site via which mentors will be able to access information and arrange 1-to-1 sessions in relation to specific issues. There will also be scheduled sessions throughout the year which mentors will be encouraged to attend, which will provide the opportunity to go through the requirements and engage in discussions with other mentors.

Skills

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

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment consists of three components:

• clinical assessment of 4 patients. There is no weighting for this component, but it must be passed.
• linking theory to professional practice coursework (word limit of 5250 words) – weighting: 50 per cent.
• logbook (250 logged scans, of which 25 must be extended scans) – weighting: 50 per cent.

• 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.