Suitable applicants
The program is designed for health care professionals wanting to develop the hands-on skills necessary to perform a routine adult transthoracic echo. No previous echo experience is necessary; however a basic knowledge of the cardiovascular system is required.
Program design
Practical Echo is a hands-on training program held at Cardiac Concepts in Carnegie, Victoria. Two 3½ hour sessions are provided each week over 22 weeks (or 4 sessions over 11 weeks) starting with the routine windows, views and measurements then advancing to echo calculations and an introduction to cardiac pathology. Only 2 students participate in each training session allowing ample hands-on time. Students will practice on demo patients to gain confidence in image acquisition and be exposed to pathology via pre-recorded images. Total training time is 154 hours.
Program objectives
The primary objective of this program is to develop the hands-on skills required to perform a routine adult transthoracic echo within 60 minutes. All images and measurements will be performed in accordance with ASE guidelines. Participants will gain an understanding of machine controls for image optimisation and learn the normal values relating to the adult heart. They will learn to recognise abnormal findings and have an introduction to preliminary report writing incorporating relevant measurements and pathology found. Participants will develop an understanding of their own limitations and learn to seek assistance when necessary.
Echo equipment
Training will be conducted on Philips premium level IE33 cardiac ultrasound machine which has Fusion Imaging, Tissue Harmonics and digital storage capabilities.
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