Echocardiography Simulation Based Training in a Private One-On-One SettingEchocardiography Simulation Based Training in a Private One-On-One SettingEchocardiography Simulation Based Training in a Private One-On-One SettingEchocardiography Simulation Based Training in a Private One-On-One Setting
The most time efficient way to advance your echocardiography skills.
Unique Private One-On-One Instruction--You are the only participant.
Post Graduate Skill Development
While echocardiography has become incorporated into most post-graduate training programs, instruction for practicing physicians remains problematic. Over the past five years we have optimized our training so practicing physicians can rapidly advance their knowledge base and skill sets to match their particular clinical demands.
Recreates the Fellowship Experience
Virtual Reality Simulation combined with continuous oversight by a dedicated National Board of Echocardiography Diplomate instructor, recreates the fellowship training experience in an accelerated manner. The efficiency of private training surpasses virtually all group learning experiences.
The Problem
Although Echocardiography is an invaluable asset, various obstacles make it a challenging skill to acquire. Echocardiographic image interpretation is complex. Probe manipulation is an acquired skill and cannot be learned merely by observation or limited probe operataion at group courses. Obtaining instruction from skilled colleagues or inter-departmental staff members is usually sporadic or not feasible.
Solution
Our Laboratory creates an alternative for practicing physicians and postgraduate fellows to develop or advance their skills. Free of the usual distractions found in an acute care setting, the private atmosphere in the simulation laboratory allows the trainee to acquire probe manipulation and image interpretation skills at their own pace. Limiting attendance to a single participant creates continuous instructor-trainee interaction and maximizes hands-on probe time.
COURSE CONTENTS
Simulation
The Heartworks Simulator has the detail, accuracy, and feel of a real exam. The probe has the complete constellation of controls as found on real probes. The simulator creates highly realistic 2D echocardiographic ultrasound images along with the simultaneous corresponding 3D virtual-anatomy model. It elegantly models both normal and pathological blood flow characteristics, allowing the application of extremely realistic PW Doppler, CW Doppler, and color Doppler measurements.
Knobology
The simulator's touch screen interface recreates a real machine console. After demonstrating proficiency on the simulator, attendees will transition to the console of a real ultrasound machine. Instruction includes a detailed explanation of the entire array of machine functions. Machine operation skills are practiced using our real 2D/3D TEE and TTE probes in conjunction with our cardiac ultrasound phantom.
Measurements
The simulator measurement package allows the attendee to practice the full array of 2D, spectral Doppler, and Color Doppler measurements in both normal and pathological states. These skills are then applied to real images from our extensive collection of acquired images using both the Philips Q-lab and GE Echo Pac platforms at our laboratory work station .
Standards
The current American Society of Echocardiography guidelines are used as the source material for all instruction. We strongly encourage our attendees to complete one of the four National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) exams. We are focused on reviewing the content of these exams as published by the NBE.
Diagnostic Challenge
Following familiarization with the normal exam sequence, the attendee is presented with a full series of unknowns, representing common pathological states as typically encountered in a usual adult practice. The attendee is guided through each comprehensive exam, ultimately making the correct diagnosis and grading the severity using quantitative criteria.
Evaluations
Upon request each attendee will receive a personalized letter describing the specific details of his or her training sessions. The letter will be signed by the physician director and emailed to you in PDF format. This evaluation will be suitable for presentation to your respective clinical and administrative departments.
