Training and Practice of Perioperative Cardiac Ultrasound in Adults
Cardiac ultrasound is:
- Valuable
- Associated with risk
In both:- Technique
- Interpretation
- Divided into:
- Goal-directed
Conducted at point-of-care. Are:- Generally qualitative
- Assess a particular clinical issue
- Systolic function
- Filling volumes/pressures
- Valvular asessment for clinically significant stenosis or regurgitation
- Potential significant disorders
E.g. pericardial collection.
- Comprehensive
May be intraoperative or perioperative.- Same study performed irrespective of indication
- Involve:
- Multiple windows
- Quantitative measurement
- Should be stored to facilitate review
Include patient identification, date, and time of ultrasound. - Have a formal report produced
- Goal-directed
Training
Requires a formal program covering:
- Development of sonographic and interpretive skill
- Cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology
- Demonstration of knowledge base
- Experience conducting and reporting studies
- A minimum number of supervised, unsupervised and reviewed studies
- A recognised qualification
Documentation and Assessment
Maintain a logbook (or equivalent), covering:
- Nubmer and case mix of examinations
- Level of involvement in each study
- Case review/audit sessions attended
- Training courses completed