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.