Archived case study

In-university clinical education in ultrasound

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Innovation

The innovation provides clinical education in ultrasound within the university setting in order to ensure students have access to appropriate and effective clinical training. We have commissioned a fully operational ultrasound suite within the university and set up a service arrangement to receive patients from Cwm Taf Health Board requiring ultrasound investigation. Students, under the supervision of trained ultrasonographers, undertake the diagnostic procedures and document their findings via established clinical reporting systems for review by clinical experts. This has been accomplished by technical infrastructure developments and Welsh Government approval to essentially extend the Cwm Taf network into the university ultrasound suite.

With regards the student journey, this innovation is a unique selling point in terms of course marketing in the pre-enrolment phase. It provides learning opportunities and clinical experience throughout the duration of the course and develops highly employable graduates who are fit for purpose.

What prompted innovation?

Demand for education and training in ultrasound is ever increasing. However, there are a number of reasons that make it difficult for students to secure clinical training within the service areas which limits the numbers that receive funding. Additionally, students who are able to independently fund themselves are not able to enrol on ultrasound programmes because of the requirement to secure the appropriate clinical training or clinical placements. This service meets the clinical training needs of students by essentially providing the clinical placement in the university setting.

What makes innovation different?

This innovation provides placement opportunities and essential clinical experience of working with real patients within the university setting.

Changes in practice

  • Students now have the opportunity to develop their diagnostic skills with real patients as opposed to using simulated patients.
  • From a service perspective, patients now have greater choice as to where they can receive clinical ultrasound investigations.

Impact

Benefits to patients:

  • Reduction of waiting times for all patients.
  • Provision of ultrasound examinations to patients in a modern, well equipped and effective ultrasound service.
  • Local provision of care for residents of the Pontypridd area.
  • Patients receive an equivalent service to that offered within the hospital setting.

Benefits to NHS Local Health Boards:

  • Provide ultrasound examinations of appropriate standard to patient’s outwith the clinical departments, which could potentially reduce waiting lists.
  • Reduced pressures on the clinical areas for education and training.

Benefits to students:

  • Provide appropriate clinical education and training for student’s outwith the clinical areas, reducing the pressure on students.
  • Providing a forum for clinical education so that the student is able to gain access to the required amount of clinical training.

Benefits to the University:

  • The provision of on site clinical education and training enhances the University profile and potential recruitment.
  • The on site education has the potential to make the University a reference site for other universities with the possibility of opening up research opportunities.

Dissemination

Through internal and external communication channels including press releases.