Groundbreaking online ultrasound training launched

A revolutionary new method of providing online teaching in ultrasound techniques has been launched by a Cardiff based company.

MedaPhor, a joint venture between interactive media specialists, medical educationalists and Cardiff University, is an e-learning company which produces innovative training products for postgraduate medical professionals. Interactive tutorials bridge the ‘hands-on' training gap that exists between traditional classroom teaching and clinical practice.

MedaPhor training modules support professional training programmes by complementing the syllabus of recognised full time and part-time MSc level courses. The company is committed to creating a catalogue of training modules for a cross section of medical disciplines.

Two modules covering abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound techniques are now available. Supporting tutorials include guidance on patient care, clinical procedures, frequently asked questions and interactive self-assessment.

Other modules are to follow shortly, including ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer screening and smear test procedure.

Dr Nazar Amso, Senior Lecturer in Gynaecology at Cardiff University and leader of the Medaphor medical team, said “Until now, ultrasound training has been dependent largely on patient contact in the clinical setting. These tutorials provide students with the opportunity to learn the principles of the techniques and the correlation of hand movement with the ultrasound images on the screen.

“This will considerably simplify and speed up the process of learning and equally allow the student to practice in his/her own time before undertaking the procedures on patients. We will launch a series of modules that integrate with the obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound curriculum and become an invaluable resource for training.”