Introduction to Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Physics

Offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS)

Course Description

This comprehensive course, "Introduction to Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Physics," is the first in a series designed to provide a solid foundation in ultrasound physics and imaging principles. Offered by the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS), this introductory-level course is ideal for medical professionals and students looking to expand their knowledge and skills in the rapidly growing field of point-of-care ultrasound.

What students will learn from the course

  • Basic Ultrasound Physics: Understand the fundamental principles of ultrasound waves and their interaction with tissues.
  • Probe Manipulation & Ultrasound Machine Setup: Learn essential techniques for handling ultrasound probes and configuring ultrasound machines.
  • Image Formation: Gain insights into how ultrasound images are generated and displayed.
  • Artifacts: Recognize and interpret common ultrasound artifacts.
  • Tips & Tricks to Optimize Ultrasound Images: Master techniques to enhance image quality and interpretation.

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate medical degree program or qualification as a medical practitioner.
  • Advanced nurse practitioners and physiotherapists may also be considered.
  • Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

What the course will cover

  • Introduction to ultrasound physics and POCUS principles
  • Types of ultrasound probes and their characteristics
  • Ultrasound machine basics and knobology
  • Probe and image orientation techniques
  • Ultrasound wave interaction with tissues
  • Image post-processing and display
  • Recognition and interpretation of common ultrasound artifacts
  • Risk mitigation and probe care in ultrasound practice

Who this course is for

This course is designed for medical students, practicing physicians, advanced nurse practitioners, and physiotherapists who want to develop a strong foundation in point-of-care ultrasound physics and principles. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to integrate POCUS into their clinical practice or enhance their existing ultrasound skills.

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The knowledge and skills acquired in this course will enable healthcare professionals to:

  1. Perform more accurate and efficient point-of-care ultrasound examinations
  2. Improve patient care through rapid bedside diagnosis and treatment guidance
  3. Enhance clinical decision-making by understanding ultrasound image formation and artifacts
  4. Optimize ultrasound machine settings for better image quality
  5. Implement proper probe care and disinfection protocols in clinical settings
  6. Contribute to the growing field of POCUS in various medical specialties

Syllabus

Week 1 – Getting started

  • Introduction to course structure, learning objectives, assessment, and materials

Week 2 - Introduction, Probe & Machine

  • Types of ultrasound probes and their characteristics
  • Commonly used probes for POCUS
  • Risks & risk mitigation
  • Probe care & disinfection
  • Ultrasound machine basics and knobology
  • Probe & Image Orientation
  • Probe Manipulations

Week 3 - Principles of Ultrasound & Image Formation

  • Principles of ultrasound
  • Ultrasound interaction with tissues
  • Image post-processing
  • Display of images
  • Optimizing Images

Week 4 – Artifacts

  • Acoustic shadowing
  • Mirror Imaging Artifacts
  • Posterior Acoustic Enhancement
  • Edge Shadowing Artifact
  • Reverberation Artifact
  • Comet Tail Artifact
  • Ring Down Artifact
  • Side Lobe Artifact

By enrolling in this course, learners will gain a competitive edge in the medical field, enhancing their ability to provide high-quality, efficient patient care through the application of point-of-care ultrasound techniques.