MEDIMAGE 724 : Ultrasound Assessment of Heart Disease 1

Medical and Health Sciences

2024 Semester Two (1245) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Expands on comprehension of the normal cardiac ultrasound examination, by developing the specialised skills and knowledge required to critically analyse and interpret ventricular function and complex forms of heart, disease including cardiomyopathies and pericardial diseases, using various ultrasound modalities. An emphasis will be placed on integrating theory and clinical practice elements to facilitate sound clinical reasoning, decision-making, and clinical competence.

Course Overview

Professionals performing cardiac ultrasound require a sound understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology, cardiac pathophysiology, principles of physics, fundamental ultrasound techniques, and specialised knowledge, to accurately perform diagnostic examinations. Learn how to critically analyse and interpret ventricular function, pulmonary and systolic hypertension, aortic valve pathology, and the athlete's heart, using various ultrasound modalities. Those modalities including 2D, M-mode, myocardial strain imaging, spectral and colour Doppler tracings obtained during the routine adult echocardiogram examination.  Interpretation skills will be further enhanced by exploring evidence-based qualitative and quantitative methods used in the assessment of heart disease, and integrate knowledge of anatomy, the cardiac cycle, and changes in haemodynamics. This course will also introduce principles and advanced concepts of haemodynamic calculations. A critical lens will be required to examine the limitations of ultrasound and the application of haemodynamic calculations, and how this applies to clinical ultrasound. In addition, ethical and legal considerations will be discussed and an introduction to cultural safety will be explored. 

The course is delivered primarily online by distance via the University of Auckland’s learning management system ‘Canvas’. It incorporates a range of learning approaches including videos, webpages, links to library databases and resources, and utilising online technologies to promote shared learning opportunities. Academic learning is expected to inform clinical practice and enhance levels of clinical competency.

This course is a compulsory part of the PGDipHSc (Cardiac Ultrasound) programme. Access to a clinical ultrasound department is required.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: MEDIMAGE 717, 722

Course Contacts

Course Director
Dr Sibusiso Mdletshe
Senior Lecturer
Email: sibusiso.mdletshe@auckland.ac.nz
https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/sibusiso-mdletshe 

Course Coordinators
Ashley Mattson
Professional Teaching Fellow
Email: ashley.mattson@auckland.ac.nz 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-mattson-698b561a2/?originalSubdomain=au

Allanah Harrington
Professional Teaching Fellow
Email: allanah.harrington@auckland.ac.nz
https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/allanah-harrington

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: People and Place
Capability 2: Sustainability
Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the impacts of colonialism on indigenous health and wellbeing including the historical relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its current obligation on the health and wellbeing of Māori and Pacific peoples. (Capability 1, 2 and 5)
  2. Describe the aetiology of various forms of heart disease, using medical terminology and abbreviations, given a patient’s medical history and clinical presentation using written and verbal forms of communication. (Capability 3, 4 and 6)
  3. Describe evidence-based qualitative and quantitative methods used for the comprehensive assessment of ventricular function, pulmonary and systolic hypertension, aortic valve pathology, and athlete's heart, while integrating knowledge of anatomy and disease progression, and acknowledging the limitations of these methods. (Capability 3 and 4)
  4. Explain the principles and limitations of Doppler derived haemodynamic calculations used in the evaluation of volumetric flow, and the application of the continuity principle and Bernoulli’s Equation, including the application of these techniques to real world scenarios. (Capability 3 and 4)
  5. Critically apply evidence-based theoretical and clinical knowledge to interpret ultrasound findings in the context of ventricular function, pulmonary and systolic hypertension, aortic valve pathology, and the athlete's heart, using various ultrasound modalities, and correlating these finds to other diagnostic tests. (Capability 3 and 4)
  6. Critically evaluate regional wall motion abnormalities on ultrasound using a comprehensive understanding of coronary artery distribution, myocardial infarction and complications of myocardial infarction. (Capability 2 and 4)
  7. Critically examine a broad range of ethical and medico-legal issues relevant to medical imaging practice. (Capability 5 and 8)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 30% Individual Coursework
Quizzes 10% Individual Coursework
Reflection 20% Individual Coursework
Test 40% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Assignments
Quizzes
Reflection
Test
This course is 100% internally assessed. An aggregated mark of 50% or more is required to successfully pass this course. Resubmission of failed assessments is not permitted.

Penalties for excessive word count and/or late submission (without prior written approval for an extension) will be applied in accordance with the 'Medical Imaging Assessment Requirements and Presentation Criteria' document.

The course Canvas page has more detailed information on assessment processes and requirements.

Workload Expectations

Following University workload guidelines, a standard 15-point course represents approximately 150 hours of study. This equates to approximately 12 hours per week and may be broken down as follows:

• Set readings relevant to ultrasound theory and clinical practice (40 hours)

• Other resources provided on Canvas e.g. videos, websites (10 hours)

• Assignments and self-directed learning (100 hours)

Delivery Mode

Online

The course is delivered primarily online. Where possible, study material will be available at course commencement to allow for some degree of flexible learning. Attendance on campus is not required for the summative test. Self-assessment tools throughout the course will provide an opportunity for students to receive continuous feedback on their comprehension of the content delivered.

This course runs to the University semester timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

The required textbook for this course is:
  • Anderson, B. (2014). A Sonographer’s Guide to the Assessment of Heart Disease. MGS Graphics.
This textbook is available Philson library; however, it is highly recommended that you purchase a copy for your reference to use throughout the programme.

Other course materials are made available on the course website located in the University’s learning platform Canvas, which also includes reading lists (where available). In addition, a large selection of other resources will be able to be accessed online via the University Library databases.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

This course is offered for the first time in 2024 (semester 2) and therefore no previous students' feedback exists.

Other Information

All official communication to a student will be sent to the student’s current University email address (username@aucklanduni.ac.nz) and the student is responsible for ensuring that any desired forwarding to other addresses is in place and operating correctly. Staff will not be responsible for any consequences if students fail to read and respond to University correspondence promptly.

Students are encouraged to use the course ‘Discussion’ forum on Canvas as much as possible for communication with staff and other students. Email may be used for more private matters. Email communication to University staff and supervisors must be sent from the student’s University email address.

As a rule, students are advised to log on at least twice a week. Logging on regularly allows regular checking of 'Announcements' as well as reading and responding to messages from peers on 'Discussions'.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

The way to avoid plagiarism is to reference your work. Please refer to the following website for further information about academic referencing: www.cite.auckland.ac.nz/

The Student Academic Conduct Statute (2021) provides further advice on how to avoid plagiarism. More information can be found in the ‘Medical Imaging Programme Information’ on Canvas.

The penalties for plagiarism can be severe, including losing some or all the marks for the assignment. Major offenses can be sent to the University’s Discipline Committee, where further penalties can be imposed.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Contact details for the Medical Imaging Postgraduate Student Representatives may be found in the Medical Imaging Postgraduate Programme Information on Canvas.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Fitness to practise (FTP)
As health professional students, in addition to meeting the University of Auckland graduate profile capabilities, students in the Medical Imaging postgraduate programmes are required to demonstrate their fitness to practise. This always applies to students, whether they are on campus, on placement or elsewhere.

Fitness to practise (FTP) is concerned primarily with patient and public safety. It also is concerned with upholding professional standards, including the relevant professional code of conduct, and contributing to the maintenance of the reputation of the profession and public confidence in the profession.

For further information visit FMHS Fitness to Practise Policy (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/the-university/how-university-works/policy-and-administration/teaching-and-learning/fmhs-code-of-fitness-to-practise/fmhs-fitness-to-practise-policy.html)

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 08/07/2024 02:11 p.m.