SON4023 - Obstetric sonography

Leader: Mr Paul Lombardo

Offered

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

Synopsis

Introduction to human genetics, pregnancy and human development. Scanning methods/techniques including transabdominal, transvaginal, transperineal related to sonography of the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, evaluation of ectopic pregnancy and assisted fertilisation techniques. Ethical principals re-examined in light of this medical speciality. Ultrasound of multiple pregnancies, obstetric ultrasound interventional techniques, sonographic assessment of gestational age and growth and use of ultrasound in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies and diagnosis of foetal death in utero. Physical principles of visualising surfaces in 3D and their applications for obstetric ultrasound.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Describe the events of foetal development and circulation;
2. Describe foetal and placental anomalies;
3. Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and understanding of genetics, indications and the application of ethics in obstetric ultrasound examinations and the use of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies;
4. Describe appropriate sonographic imaging techniques and methods to demonstrate normal embryonic processes and pathology visible in the first trimester, including ectopic pregnancy, normal and abnormal fetoplacental anatomy;
5. Assess gestational age and growth in the second and third trimesters and growth disorders in the third trimester;
6. Assess gestational age and growth in the second trimester and growth disorders in the third trimester;
7. Independently perform competent and ethical transabdominal, transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound examinations involving the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of both single and multiple pregnancies;
8. Use the theory and interpretive skills obtained in this unit in the performance of transabdominal, transvaginal and transperineal ultrasound examinations involving the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters*
9. Recognise and describe placental abnormalities and foetal death, normal embryonic processes and pathology visible in the first, second and third trimesters;
• The level of the competency obtained will be dependent on clinical experience. Note that completion of the GDMU requires the completion of four clinical assessments to the level of clinical competency.

Assessment

Compulsory attainment of a requisite number of obstetric sonographic examinations
Two case based minor assignments: 20%
Written examination (2 hours): 40%
Image recognition examination (1 hour): 20%
Clinical skills assessment: 20% or Evidence Based Clinical Practice Assignment: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