Module Directory

Students with prior knowledge of musculoskeletal scanning, including safety aspects and scanning protocols, will register on this module which will explore the modality's utilisation in an appropriate clinical environment.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging is a modality in a growth phase throughout the World; it can now be found in many clinical environments beyond the traditional hospital setting. A variety of professionals have incorporated this modality into their clinical practice, and thus students can access mentorship in any appropriate clinical environment e.g. general practice, physiotherapy, sports medicine, rheumatology, radiology

This module has been designed to provide a robust and transparent process for monitoring and assessment of students' clinical progress and competence, within their own country of practice.

The aim of this module is:

• To facilitate the students’ knowledge relating to the theoretical and clinical application of musculoskeletal ultrasound within their own country.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Critically appraise and utilise all information from various sources to determine the most appropriate musculoskeletal ultrasound examination.


2. Analyse the needs of the patient in order to perform all aspects of the musculoskeletal ultrasound examination safely and competently.


3. Competently carry out musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations according to the evidence base.


4. Critically evaluate the musculoskeletal ultrasound findings and where necessary arrange, advise or undertake further investigations appropriate to local policies and practices.


5. Actively demonstrate proficiency in reporting musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations to reflect the clinical question raised.


6. Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, patients, carers and other healthcare professionals appropriately.


7. Critically reflect on personal and professional practice in order to challenge, develop and maintain standards in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.

Themes covered in module:

• Clinical application of diagnostic ultrasound musculoskeletal scanning protocols.


• Adaptations and responsiveness to patient’s habitus, pain, mobility, activities of provocation and their personal expectations.


• Image optimisation in response to patient characteristics.


• Image interpretation and integration with other clinical data.


• Documentation of ultrasound imaging.


• Response to imaging – communication of findings to patient, communication of findings to other members of patient’s pathway, referral on and escalation as required.


• Governance – quality assurance in the clinical environment.


• Evaluation of the patient experience.


• Application of contemporary evidence base: local, national and international guidelines and protocols, professional publications and academic papers.

The module will be delivered via:

• Work based learning supported by university resources and an appropriately qualified mentor. Students should aim to complete the summative assessments within 12 months of registration on this module.

Students are not allocated a placement, the learning requirement involves work-based learning. A mentor will need to be identified to enable this work-based learning and support clinical skill development. Students are responsible for identifying an appropriate mentor and will not be able to register on this module without one. Students are encouraged to access support from more than one mentor clinician if this is possible.

Many students are supported by appropriately qualified mentors in their own workplace, others access a mentor at the mentor's workplace.

The module teaching material will be available to all registered students via the university's intranet learning platform, Moodle. This virtual learning environment will also be used as depository to a library of films. These edited films will present protocols for performing musculoskeletal ultrasound scans, they will also be matched to the scanning images. This technology brings the classroom to the workplace so students can learn in their work environment using their own ultrasound systems whilst being assisted by a 'virtual sonographer'.  Region specific presentations are available, with suggested Tasks for students to undertake, as well as links to specific literature and online resources.

Materials will be provided online and students will be supported clinically by their mentors and encouraged to set-up regular sessions with their mentors.  There is a new Moodle site via which mentors will be able to access information and arrange 1-to-1 sessions in relation to specific issues.  There will also be scheduled sessions throughout the year which mentors will be encouraged to attend, which will provide the opportunity to go through the requirements and engage in discussions with other mentors.

Clinical skills will be developed during this module. Students and mentors will be directed so that they understand the term 'competency' as defined within the context of musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging.