This report defines the essential training and skills necessary for the effective employment of diagnostic ultrasound in different health care settings. It reviews the present situation in ultrasonography and the trends in the utilization of diagnostic ultrasound in clinical practice. The report also examines worldwide practice with respect to ultrasonography training for physicians, sonographers, and other categories of medical professionals, such as midwives, nurses, and assistant physicians. It presents outlines of recommended training curricula for physicians in general, advanced, and specialized ultrasonography and discusses various other factors that must be taken into account in organizing the training process. The report describes the recommended training for allied health professionals specializing in ultrasonography and presents the basic science and instrumentation aspects of the curricula. It then discusses the level of competence that should be reached by those trained in the use of diagnostic ultrasound, as well as the recommended standards for training programs, including the requirements for instructors and training centers. Recommendations for the implementation of training programs are included. An appendix outlines the applications of diagnostic ultrasound. (Contains 36 references.) (MDM).

This report defines the essential training and skills necessary for the effective employment of diagnostic ultrasound in different health care settings. It reviews the present situation in ultrasonography and the trends in the utilization of diagnostic ultrasound in clinical practice. The report also examines worldwide practice with respect to ultrasonography training for physicians, sonographers, and other categories of medical professionals, such as midwives, nurses, and assistant physicians. It presents outlines of recommended training curricula for physicians in general, advanced, and specialized ultrasonography and discusses various other factors that must be taken into account in organizing the training process. The report describes the recommended training for allied health professionals specializing in ultrasonography and presents the basic science and instrumentation aspects of the curricula. It then discusses the level of competence that should be reached by those trained in the use of diagnostic ultrasound, as well as the recommended standards for training programs, including the requirements for instructors and training centers. Recommendations for the implementation of training programs are included. An appendix outlines the applications of diagnostic ultrasound. (Contains 36 references.) (MDM)

Abstract: Ultrasound has become a widely used form of medical imaging because it is low-cost, safe, and portable. However, it is heavily dependent on the skill of the operator to capture quality images and properly detect abnormalities. Training is a key component of ultrasound, but the limited availability of training courses and programs presents a significant obstacle to the wider use of ultrasound systems. The goal of this work was to design and implement an interactive training system to help train and evaluate sonographers. This Virtual Training System for Diagnostic Ultrasound is an inexpensive, software-based training system in which the trainee scans a generic scan surface with a sham transducer containing position and orientation sensors. The observed ultrasound image is generated from a pre-stored 3D image volume and is controlled interactively by the users movement of the sham transducer. The patient in the virtual environment represented by the 3D image data may depict normal anatomy, exhibit a speciific trauma, or present a given physical condition. The training system provides a realistic scanning experience by providing an interactive real-time display with adjustable image parameters similar to those of an actual diagnostic ultrasound system. This system has been designed to limit the amount of hardware needed to allow for low-cost and portability for the user. The system is able to utilize a PC to run the software. To represent the patient to be scanned, a specific scan surface has been produced that allows for an optical sensor to track the position of the sham transducer. The orientation of the sham transducer is tracked by using an inexpensive inertial measurement unit that relies on the use of quaternions to be integrated into the system. The lack of a physical manikin is overcome by using a visual implementation of a virtual patient in the software along with a virtual transducer that reflects the movements of the user on the scan surface. Pre-processing is performed on the selected 3D image volume to provide coordinate transformation parameters that yield a least-mean square fit from the scan surface to the scanning region of the virtual patient. This thesis presents a prototype training system accomplishing the main goals of being low-cost, portable, and accurate. The ultrasound training system can provide cost-effective and convenient training of physicians and sonographers. This system has the potential to become a powerful tool for training sonographers in recognizing a wide variety of medical conditions.

A step-by-step approach to achieving perfection in diagnostic ultrasound This workbook offers structured, course-like learning, and just like an instructor in an ultrasound course, it guides you systematically through the individual organ systems. The accompanying videos demonstrate basic anatomy for ultrasound, optimum transducer positioning, and the interaction between transducer position and monitor display, allowing you to experience the learning points in real time for a deeper, visual understanding. Highlights of the third edition: Multiple-exposure photos demonstrate the dynamics of handling the transducer Triple-image sets clearly show transducer positioning, the ultrasound image, and an anatomic diagram of the site Numbered structures on the anatomic diagrams help you learn new information and test your retention at any time. The legend on the back-cover flap folds out for quick reference. Each structure is referred to by the same number throughout the book Numerous quiz images at the end of each chapter give you an opportunity to test your knowledge Physical principles are explained concisely with clear, accessible diagrams Various tips and tricks make it easier for beginners to get started Ultrasound Teaching Manual is the perfect introduction to diagnostic ultrasound if you are taking an ultrasound course and would like to prepare yourself systematically for this course or consolidate what you have learned are a physician or student who wants to become familiar with diagnostic ultrasound in independent study; or are a resident in internal medicine, radiology, surgery, gynecology, anesthesiology, or pediatrics who wants to solidify your ultrasound experience.