SON4020 - Sonographic professional skills and sonography of the breast and thyroid

Leader: Mr Paul Lombardo

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

The initial component introduces key principles of medicolegal practice, medical ethics, infection control and professional communication. In the second part of the unit, the breast and thyroid are used as exemplars to relate these principles to the practice of medical ultrasound. Sonographic scanning methods and techniques for examinations of the breast and thyroid will be introduced, information gathering techniques and the elements of a clinical history will be discussed, interpretational skills in respect to the recognition of the sonographic appearances of normal anatomy, anatomical variants and disease processes affecting the breast and the thyroid will be developed.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of key principles of medical law, medical ethics and the control of infection;
2. identify potential medico-legal and ethical situations arising from sonographic practice and the communication of sonographic findings to patients, radiologists or sonologistss and referring medical practitioners;
3. apply information gathering techniques and take a clinical history;
4. descibe and justify the selection of protocols, imaging parameters and transducers for sonographic examinations of the breast (including biopsy procedures) and the thyroid;
5. recognise and describe normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of the breast and thyroid and related artefacts;
6. appreciate when modifications to routine scanning approaches are required as well as the limitations of ultrasound in respect to imaging the breast and thyroid.

Assessment

Compulsory attainment of a requisite number of sonographic examinations of the breast and thyroid
Two case based minor assignments: 20%
Written examination (2 hours) 40%
Image recognition examination (1 hour): 20%
Reflective journal: 20%

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Recommended attendance at a one day workshop at the Clayton campus

Prerequisites

SON4000, SON4010

Co-requisites

3 days a week performing relevant clinical ultrasound examinations or equivalent