Ultrasonography is an invaluable tool for diagnostic and interventional purposes in Perioperative care. Its usage has diversified from Radiology suites to the operating rooms and Intensive care units. It is widely being used for interventions like vascular access and nerve blocks, procedures in intensive care, echocardiography, lung ultrasound, FAST and FATE etc.
To achieve competencies in the regular use of ultrasound, both adequate knowledge and operating skills are required. The Royal College of Radiologists, UK recommends achieving a certain level of competency when ultrasound is used outside the Radiology department. The NICE, RCoA, SUA and a few other societies have suggested and/or given guidelines regarding the use of ultrasound in anaesthetic practice. A sound knowledge along with appropriate psycho-motor and perceptual practical skills are required from the practicing clinicians. The SUA in partnership with other institutions and international universities has designed a dedicated programme of postgraduate studies. These courses target practitioners who are keen to improve their knowledge and skills using the distributed learning strategy.
A distributed learning initiative strategy using a modular system forms the basis of courses. These courses are taught and learned within a department e.g. anaesthesia and intensive care. It is aimed to provide educational opportunity and a means of assessment within the student’s own department under a designated supervisor’s guidance. The course pertains to teach various aspects of ultrasonography in the perioperative and critical care setting. The final module contains a formal exit examination. The examination is held bi-annually in SUA recognized examination centers. The award of the Certificate/Diploma/Degree is intended to be a sign of attainment and will provide a standard level of competence.