TTE8000 : Introduction to Clinical Echocardiography
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Christopher Eggett
- Lecturer: Ms Kathia Fiaschi, Dr Iain Keenan, Mr Peter Luke
- Owning School: School of Medical Education
- Teaching Location: Mixed Location
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 30 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module provides trainee echocardiographers with the underpinning theoretical knowledge required to enable work based skill training in the performance and reporting of transthoracic echocardiography.
Outline Of Syllabus
Indications for and effectiveness of echocardiography with respect to patient presentation, diagnostic and treatment pathways.
Ultrasound physics and equipment function / manipulation. Normal cardiovascular anatomy and physiology.
Typical presentation & treatment options for a range of cardiac diseases.
Major cardiac drug groups.
Echocardiographic imaging planes with respect to cross sectional anatomy.
Normal parameters and advantages versus disadvantages relating to the measurement of normal parameters.
Introduction to the current national standards for performing and analysing data obtained during transthoracic echocardiography.
Alternative clinical imaging techniques used in cardiology practice.
Overview of ambulatory electrocardiographic recording, blood pressure recording techniques, cardiac catheter lab procedures (haemodynamic and angiographic investigations, cardiac rhythm management services.
12-lead ECG recording procedure and a framework for basic interpretation of standard 12-lead ECGs.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | Present in person: block teaching, various duration of lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | PC examination preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Written exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Presentation preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 87 | 1:00 | 87:00 | Further develop understanding of fundamental knowledge. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Present in person: Anatomy practical sessions and cardiac ultrasound simulation sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Present in person: Application of theory in 'real world' scenarios |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 100 | 1:00 | 100:00 | Reading, preparing for lectures. Further develop understanding of fundamental knowledge. |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures are used to explain concepts and develop theoretical knowledge regarding the role of ultrasound in the investigation of patients with potential heart disease [LO 1,2,3].
Practical sessions will deliver anatomy knowledge through opportunities to view and handle models and preserved human heart tissue. Cardiac ultrasound simulation equipment will be used to develop student understanding of ultrasound images in relation to the anatomy of the heart [LO5].
Workshops will be used to provide opportunity for interaction, discussions and clarification to support learning in selected areas based on case study examples (for example, critiquing echocardiography report writing session) [LO4,6].
Students will complete the remainder of their learning through independent study, directed research and reading supported by materials supplied on Canvas.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | M | 40 | PIP Inspera Invigilated: Single Best Answer (MCQ) exam - 25 questions and a short answer (eight) PC based exam. Exam must be passed. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 1 | M | 30 | PIP: Annotated training poster delivered as an individual 5 minute presentation |
| Written exercise | 1 | M | 30 | Written exercise maximum 500 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | Critique of normal echo report using approved guidance, maximum 500 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The MCQ Single Best Answer style question examination provides an opportunity to assess the students' acquisition of appropriate knowledge regarding the application of ultrasound to understanding the structure and function of the heart as well as the role of ultrasound physics in relation to cardiac clinical investigation. Part of the PC based exam will require interpretation of data provided as either still or moving images in a digital format.
The presentation offers opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge about key aspects of cardiac investigations echocardiography in a format akin to a workplace training meeting setting. [LO1,2,3,4,5]
The formative written exercise provides opportunity for students to apply their understanding and knowledge in a practical and real world sense. This will feed forward into the summative written exercise that requires a similar approach of relevance to their work place environment. [LO4,6]
In order to pass the module, candidates must achieve a mark of 50 or above in the PC examination [LO1,2,5] and achieve an overall mark of 50 or above for the module.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- TTE8000's Timetable