Ultrasound imaging elevates contemporary physiotherapy practice through informing emergency differential diagnosis, enhancing clinical decision making and ultimately accelerating management and intervention strategies for improving patient outcomes. There is growing evidence that supports ultrasound as a non-invasive, valid and reliable point of care outcome measure that can be used to diagnose lung pathology; monitor fracture healing and act as a biofeedback tool for the rehabilitation of muscle following injury and trauma.

Designed For

Highly recommended for physiotherapists and physiotherapy students.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate appropriate operation of the ultrasound machine, including settings required to obtain optimised ultrasound images
2. Identify lumbar and thigh muscles using ultrasound
3. Perform a lung ultrasound examination in the erect and supine patient
4. Explain the ultrasound appearance of lung pathology and its limitations
5. Explain the ultrasound appearance of sternal pathology
6. Outline the parameters for assessment and management of sternal complications
7. Record the findings of ultrasound imaging on a clinical report form

Course Units

• Tutorial 1: Introduction to Ultrasound for Physiotherapists
• Tutorial 2: Generating Ultrasound Images
• Tutorial 3: Basic Modes of Ultrasound
• Tutorial 4: Operation of Ultrasound Machine
• Tutorial 5: Ultrasound Imaging of the Sternum
• Tutorial 6: Ultrasound Imaging of Skeletal Muscle - Thigh
• Tutorial 7: Ultrasound Imaging of Skeletal Muscle -Lumbar
• Tutorial 8: Lung Ultrasound Diagnosis
• Tutorial 9: Lung Ultrasound Procedures and Case Studies
• Tutorial 10: Interactive Simulated and Patient Clinical cases

Assessment

The assessment involves submission of all unit self-assessments and case studies. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the required assessments.

Delivery Mode

Course completion requires approximately 8 hours of elearning. This course is delivered online and students can study in their own time and location. Course materials can be accessed using a web browser.

Participants may elect to enquire about an optional practical workshop by contacting: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au

Authors

• Professor Doa El-Ansary
• Professor Alistair Royse
• Professor Colin Royse
• Mrs Lynda Tivendale
• A/P David Canty
• Dr Adrian Pranata

Acknowledgements

• Mr Rob Brandham
• Professor Maria Stokes
• Dr Lou Fuller

T: +61 3 8344 5673

E: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au