Supervisor Handbook for the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU)

Transcription

1 Supervisor Handbook for the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) Page 1 of 9 11/18

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 3 Definition of a DDU Holder... 3 Supervisor Requirements... 4 Primary Clinical Supervisor Requirements... 4 Associate Supervisor Requirements... 5 Responsibilities of Clinical Supervisors... 5 Additional Responsibilities of Primary Clinical Supervisors... 6 Assessment of Clinical Competence (Module 2)... 7 Introduction... 7 Module 2 Assessments... 7 Case Studies... 8 Clinical Supervisor Assessments... 8 Logbook... 9 Clinical Experience Declaration... 9 Contact... 9 Page 2 of 9 11/18

3 Introduction Thank you for considering undertaking the role of Clinical Supervisor for a candidate for the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU). This is a vital and important role that can have a significant positive outcome on the candidate's development of knowledge and skill in the practice of high quality diagnostic ultrasound. Included in this section is the "Definition of a DDU Holder" for your information. You are advised and encouraged to read this in order to understand the overall requirements and outcomes of the DDU. All candidates for the DDU must nominate a Primary Clinical Supervisor before they commence supervised clinical practice as a component of the DDU assessment process. All nominated Clinical Supervisors must complete a Nomination of Clinical Supervisor Form available from the ASUM website ( It is the candidate's responsibility to submit the form/s to the DDU Board of Examiners prior to the commencement of supervised practice for the DDU. All nominated Clinical Supervisors must be approved by the DDU Board of Examiners for the purposes of the DDU assessment processes. Definition of a DDU Holder The overarching aim of the Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) process is to certify, as competent, those specialist clinicians performing ultrasound services. A DDU certified doctor is a specialist medical practitioner who has overall responsibility for ensuring the most accurate and valid information possible is obtained from the ultrasound examination. The DDU holder is then responsible for using the acquired information to meaningfully contribute to clinical patient management. The DDU holder would usually have diagnostic ultrasound as a major focus of their practice and accept referrals from a range of other medical practitioners as well as self-referrals. The DDU holder has detailed specialist level knowledge and skill in all aspects of the diagnostic ultrasound process. When applicable, this knowledge and skill may also apply to therapeutic interventions/processes. The specialist level knowledge and skill required includes, but is not limited to: Use and care of equipment including: underpinning theoretical knowledge of relevant physics and instrumentation; bioeffects and safety issues. Understanding of, and skills involved in, producing and recognising an accurate and valid ultrasound examination and resultant data (the sonographic process ). Detailed anatomy, physiology and pathology as related to the ultrasound examinations relevant to the specialist s practice. High-level ability to determine the need for further information such as: extension of the ultrasound examination; other tests; further clinical information; follow-up examinations. High-level ability in the recognition of sonographic appearances and information including: normal anatomy; normal variants; artifacts; abnormalities. High-level ability to determine appropriate provisional diagnosis/diagnoses as a result of the ultrasound examination and in conjunction with other available clinical information as relevant. Recognition of any limitations of the ultrasound examination and the effect of this on clinical management. Understanding of the professional and legal requirements for reporting the results of any ultrasound examination. Page 3 of 9 11/18

4 Understanding of any professional, ethical and legal issues that may be particularly relevant/unique to the ultrasound processes. Understanding of, and commitment to, requirements for continuing professional development. Ability to communicate with patients/clients and colleagues in a manner that is timely, relevant and appropriate to the circumstances. Supervisor Requirements Primary Clinical Supervisor Requirements The Primary Clinical Supervisor must be a currently practising medical specialist holding one of the following: Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiology (RANZCR) Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (Vascular) Diploma in Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) from ASUM in the same discipline as the candidate Certification in Obstetrical and Gynaecological Ultrasound (COGU) from RANZCOG Certification in Maternal Fetal Medicine (CMFM) from RANZCOG and must be in a position that enables you to comment authoritatively on the candidate's practice and standing be actively involved in clinical ultrasound practice in the same specialty field as the candidate have a minimum of 2 years suitable experience post obtaining their ultrasound related qualification be expected to be predominantly working within the candidate's usual workplace and be available for direct access when required. Complete a Nomination of Clinical Supervisor form Note: In those areas where suitable Primary Clinical Supervisors with the above listed qualifications cannot be found (e.g. Emergency Medicine, Critical Care etc), the DDU Board of Examiners may, at its discretion, accept another person as Primary Clinical Supervisor or a combination of supervisors with the appropriate expertise to provide supervision. In order to be a Primary Clinical Supervisor it is recommended that you: 1. are a member of the Australasian Society of Medical Ultrasound (ASUM) 2. hold a Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound (DDU) 3. have the following personal attributes: be an enthusiastic teacher be approachable and easily accessible be a good communicator be able to provide constructive feedback be able to submit assessments promptly Page 4 of 9 11/18

5 Primary Clinical Supervisors accepted by the DDU Board of Examiners for the role may engage other experienced and suitably credentialed practitioners (such as an Accredited Medical Sonographer) as Associate Supervisors to assist in appropriate teaching and competence assessment within their scope of practice (e.g. of scanning competence for an AMS, but not diagnosis and/or report writing). All practitioners involved in clinical supervision of a candidate who will be responsible for any assessment or verification of practice must be approved by the DDU Board of Examiners prior to their commencement of the clinical supervision for the purposes of the DDU requirements. Associate Supervisor Requirements Primary Clinical Supervisors accepted by the DDU Board of Examiners for the role may engage other experienced and suitably credentialed practitioners such as other specialist medical practitioners or an Accredited Medical Sonographer (AMS) as Associate Supervisors to assist in appropriate teaching and competence assessment within their scope of practice (e.g. of scanning competence for an AMS, but not diagnosis and/or report writing). All practitioners involved in clinical supervision of a candidate who will be responsible for any assessment or verification of practice must be approved by the DDU Board of Examiners prior to their commencement of the clinical supervision for the purposes of the DDU requirements. In order for an ultrasound practitioner to be accepted as an Associate Clinical Supervisor they must: 1. be a medical specialist 2. hold a ultrasound qualification or accreditation 3. have two years clinical ultrasound experience following the attainment of your ultrasound qualification or accreditation. 4. have a willingness to undertake the role and an understanding of the responsibilities involved 5. complete a Nomination of Clinical Supervisor form or 1. be an Accredited Medical Sonographer (AMS) 2. have a minimum of three years full-time equivalent experience as an AMS 3. have extensive experience and/or qualifications in clinical supervision and assessment in the clinical ultrasound setting. Evidence must be submitted to demonstrate this (eg Certificate IV or Graduate Certificate in workplace assessment or tertiary education; certificate of completion of a suitable examiner/assessor workshop such as offered by ASUM or the Australian Institute of Ultrasound AIU; letter of appointment as a tutor sonographer or university clinical supervisor and/or assessor in the area of ultrasound). 4. have a willingness to undertake the role and an understanding of the responsibilities involved. 5. complete a Nomination of Clinical Supervisor form Responsibilities of Clinical Supervisors In 2010/2011 a review and revision was undertaken of the DDU processes. As a result of this the emphasis on assessment of candidates' clinical competence and skill has been increased. The role and formal input of the Primary Clinical Supervisor and other Associate Supervisors has also been increased. Page 5 of 9 11/18

6 The key responsibilities of Clinical Supervisors include: providing appropriate advice and guidance to the candidate on the development of the candidate's knowledge and skill in diagnostic ultrasound. accepting the candidate's nomination as a Clinical Supervisor. ensuring the requirements of the Clinical Supervisor are met in terms of qualifications, availability etc. completing in a timely manner the forms required to be submitted to ASUM in order for the Clinical Supervisor to be accepted as suitable by the DDU Board of Examiners. verifying entries in the clinical practice "logbook". This may be done by any of the accepted Clinical Supervisors.* notifying the candidate in a timely manner if the Clinical Supervisor is unable to continue in the supervisory role and if possible assisting the candidate in making other suitable arrangements. Any proposed changes to the arrangements for clinical supervision must be notified to the DDU Board of Examiners for approval as soon as possible. *In order for a candidate to complete their DDU, their Associate Clinical Supervisor is required to assist in the appropriate teaching and competence assessments within their scope of practice i.e. Scanning competence for an Accredited Medical Sonographer, but not diagnosis and/or report writing. Clinical Supervisors should note that the DDU Board of Examiners has the overall responsibility for making recommendations to the ASUM Council regarding those candidates deemed to have been successful in the DDU. Where the DDU Board of Examiners has insufficient or conflicting information regarding a candidate's clinical competence, as determined by the Module 2 assessment requirements, the Board of Examiners retains the right to seek further information (e.g. further assessments which may or may not be performed by an independent assessor appointed by ASUM for the purpose). Additional Responsibilities of Primary Clinical Supervisors In order for a candidate to complete their DDU, the Primary Clinical Supervisor is required to: 1. Verify the candidate's submission of five (5) Case Studies by signing the appropriate declarations whereby candidates must attest to having performed the case and prepared the case study themselves. 2. Assess the candidate by undertaking five (5) Clinical Supervisor Assessments using the supervisor assessment pro-forma by the due dates. 3. Verify entries in the clinical practice log book. 4. Verify over all clinical ultrasound practice as recorded on the Log book Verification of Clinical Experience Form 5. Verify that the candidate has completed a minimum of 2 years clinical ultrasound practice To most effectively provide their candidate with educational assistance, the Primary Clinical Supervisor should: 1. Ensure that their candidate is provided with appropriate practical instruction whether the training is provided by them or another nominated person i.e. Associate Supervisor 2. Provide ongoing and appropriate assessment to enable their candidate to meet the professional requirements and skills specified in the DDU Syllabus Page 6 of 9 11/18

7 3. Notify the DDU Board of Examiners if, at any time, serious concerns are raised about the candidate's ability to perform their duties in diagnostic ultrasound in a professional and competent manner consistent with their stage of training 4. Encourage the candidate to undertake self-assessment and self-reflection of their clinical ultrasound practice and knowledge Assessment of Clinical Competence (Module 2) Introduction During the period of candidature DDU candidates are required to undergo a number of workplace based assessments of their clinical competence. These are in the form of both "formative" assessments (where the intent is to enhance learning and does not contribute to final assessment outcomes) and "summative" assessments (which contribute to the final outcome). Clinical competence assessments allow the DDU Board of Examiners to have greater confidence that those candidates recommended to the ASUM Council as having met the requirements of the DDU are indeed competent in clinical ultrasound practice in their chosen specialty area. Clinical competence assessments also allow the candidate and their supervisor/s to identify areas for improvement that may require any combination of theoretical learning, practical skill development or professional practice enhancement. Candidates and supervisor/s should use this information to develop a suitable program of learning and professional development in order to meet the candidate s identified needs. This is of particular importance in the first year of the candidature in order to identify performance that may require remedial action at any early stage. The timetable and requirements for the clinical competence assessments, including pro-formas and declarations, for use by the candidate and supervisor/s on myasum via the ASUM website Candidates are also encouraged to undertake self-assessment and self-reflection of their clinical ultrasound practice and knowledge. Candidates may also choose to have a supervisor or experienced colleague undertake an informal assessment of their clinical skills in order to provide the candidate with feedback. Candidates are encouraged to use this process as a point of discussion with their supervisor/s in order to prioritise future learning needs and identify potential areas of difficulty that need addressing. The "Supervisor or Colleague Feedback Form" is available from myasum via the ASUM website Module 2 Assessments Module 2 Clinical Competence is designed to assess the overall clinical ultrasound competence of the DDU candidate in the workplace/clinical setting and includes assessment of a wide range of required knowledge, skills and abilities as defined by the relevant specialty syllabus for Module 3. Candidates must familiarise themselves with the specific learning objectives, required abilities and major topic areas covered Module 3. Assessment for Module 2 Clinical Competence is achieved via a variety of techniques to enable an accurate assessment of the candidate s overall clinical ultrasound competence. The assessment methods used offer a balance between adequate assessment of knowledge, skills and abilities, and practicality and feasibility. To assess Clinical Competence the following assessments will be used: The Module 2 assessments are: i. Two (2) formative Case Studies (1st year) Page 7 of 9 11/18

8 ii. Two (2) formative Clinical Supervisor Assessments (1st year) iii. Three (3) summative Case Studies (2nd year) iv. Three (3) summative Clinical Supervisor Assessments (2nd year) v. A Logbook with specified numbers and types of scans to be completed vi. The completion of two (2) years diagnostic ultrasound experience Case Studies Each DDU candidate must submit two (2) formative case studies at least 6 months post enrolment during the case study submission period as advertised in the DDU Academic Calendar. Candidates who are taking longer to complete the DDU may submit the formative case studies later than this as per the DDU Regulations. Each DDU candidate must submit three (3) additional summative case studies at least 12 months post enrolment and 6 months after submission of their formative case studies during the case study submission period as advertised in the DDU Academic Calendar. Candidates who are taking longer to complete the DDU may submit their summative case studies later than this as per the DDU Regulations. Please note: These examinations must be different to those undertaken when completing the Clinical Supervisor Assessments The role of a Primary Clinical Supervisor includes verifying the content submitted in the Case Studies as having occurred under their supervision entirely the candidate's own work. The Case Studies must be accompanied by a Submission Verification Declaration, signed by both your candidate and yourself. Some DDU Specialties have specified studies which must be completed. Please refer to the Casebook Guidelines for further information. Clinical Supervisor Assessments Each DDU candidate must submit two (2) formative supervisor assessments at least 6 months post enrolment during the supervisor assessment submission period as advertised in the DDU Academic Calendar. Candidates who are taking longer to complete the DDU may submit the formative supervisor assessments later than this as per the DDU Regulations. Each DDU candidate must submit three (3) additional summative supervisor assessments at least 12 months post enrolment and 6 months after submission of their formative supervisor assessments during the case study submission period as advertised in the DDU Academic Calendar. Candidates who are taking longer to complete the DDU may submit their summative supervisor assessments later than this as per the DDU Regulations. Please note: These examinations must be different to those undertaken when completing the Case Studies. These Clinical Supervisor Assessments are to be conducted on any five (5) examinations, demonstrating the breadth of knowledge and skill acquired by the candidate at that stage of study. These examinations must be assessed by you and the candidate's performance must be recorded on the Clinical Supervisor Assessment Form. The Clinical Supervisor Assessment Forms must be then sent to the ASUM office, by the due date, in order for the candidate to successfully complete this assessment Page 8 of 9 11/18

9 Logbook Candidates must maintain a record of all clinical ultrasound practice in the form of a logbook. All clinical ultrasound practice, as recorded in the logbook must be verified by their Primary Clinical Supervisor. The role of a Primary Clinical Supervisor includes verifying the content submitted in the Logbook as having occurred under their supervision. The logbook must be accompanied by a Primary Clinical Supervisor Verification Declaration. Clinical Experience Declaration Candidates are required to have acquired sufficient clinical experience during their training. The level of experience required is as follows: 1. The candidate must have undertaken 2 years clinical ultrasound practice 2. It is recommended that DDU candidates undertake a minimum of 500 hours clinical ultrasound practice, which equates to 5 hours per week over 2 years* *Some candidates will require more than the recommended minimum level of clinical ultrasound experience to meet the requirements of the DDU assessment process. In order to verify that these requirements have been met, you must complete the Clinical Experience Declaration. Contact If you require any further information on supervising a candidate for the DDU please contact: ASUM DDU Coordinator ASUM Suite 501, 11 Help Street CHATSWOOD NSW 2067 AUSTRALIA Phone: Fax: education@asum.com.au Page 9 of 9 11/18