Point of Care Rheumatology Ultrasound

This module has been designed for musculoskeletal clinicians with an interest in rheumatology and ultrasound imaging. The role of Point of Care Ultrasound, (PoCUS) in musculoskeletal practice is becoming well-established and has highlighted the potential for this approach to be integrated into rheumatology practice: Point of Care Rheumatology Ultrasound, (PoCRUS).

Rheumatology patients often present with conditions that require prompt commencement of appropriate management. The current evidence provides a robust justification to draw on assessment strategies that facilitate clinical decision making and diagnosis. Conditions considered include: polyarthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, oligoarthritis, monoarthritis, polymyalgia, suspected GCA and large vessel vasculitis.

This module is attractive to those aiming for a greater understanding of the role of probability-based algorithms in rheumatology and how these can significantly influence condition evaluation, categorisation and management in patients presenting to early arthritis and fast track clinics.

Learning outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the theoretical principles underpinning point of care rheumatology ultrasound and how these principles align with current clinical governance.
2. Apply advanced clinical reasoning relating to the role of point of care ultrasound imaging for rheumatology presentations.
3. Critically evaluate personal professional practice informed by current evidence.

Our expert staff

The lead tutor for this module is Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta.

The university staff will assist with teaching and complete assessment marking. The external experts will lead the teaching sessions.

Postgraduate qualification

This module could be taken as a stand-alone module or as a 30-credit module to contribute to a final award of Post-Graduate Certificate, PG Diploma or MSc Musculoskeletal Practice.

• a relevant first degree OR a relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates ability to study at level seven
• a minimum of one year post-registration experience
• current registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body
• relevant professional registration, e.g. GMC, HCPC, NMC
• prior experience of musculoskeletal ultrasound is recommended

Module Outline

6 sessions of teaching delivered via a digital platform and 2 days of face to face teaching on campus.

Indicative content

• Common presentation scenarios in rheumatology;
• Application of a probability-based approach to evaluate individual presentations;
• Understand the role of point of consultation ultrasound in the probability-based algorithm;
• Recognize specific and sensitive ultrasound signs/patterns;
• Confirm/exclude different scenarios by applying ultrasound findings;
• Understand the individual settings and procedures for ultrasound scanning.

Live demonstrations and supervised hands-on workshops

• Principles for applying ultrasound in rheumatology scenarios;
• Standardized sonographic scanning in clinical scenarios for: rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout/crystal arthritis, PMR/GCA;
• The use of colour Doppler ultrasonography and ultrasound system settings;
• Identification of vascular sonoanatomy.

Assessment strategy

100% coursework

• 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.