Medical Physics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Medical Physics, including details on medicine, radiotherapy, biomechanics, medical imaging.

Focused ultrasound training for clinicians.

Langlois Sle P

Department of Medical Imaging, The Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Queensland, Australia. Suzanne_Langlois@health.qld.gov.au

Clinician use of diagnostic ultrasound, particularly at point of care and in emergency situations, is well established. The standard of training courses and of postcourse supervision and accreditation is variable, and international standards are required to maintain safety, accuracy, and credibility of the technique. The accuracy of the technique by trained personnel has been well documented. There is evidence that prereading, a course involving theoretical and practical training, and ongoing mentoring (proctoring) provides high standards of practice. Regular accreditation and continuous comparison with gold standards is required to maintain this level. Most areas of the body are now accessible to clinicians of varied specialties, even those previously thought impossible for ultrasound examination, such as the chest and bone. Training and supervision in rural, remote, and austere environments provides added challenges.

Published 20 April 2007 in Crit Care Med, 35(5): S138-43.
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