Academic Catalog

DMS 70A: CLINICAL PRECEPTORSHIP I

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Units: 11.5
Hours: 416 laboratory per quarter (416 total per quarter)
This is a 13 week course - 32 hours laboratory per week.
Prerequisite: DMS 72A.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize normal and abnormal anatomical structures.
  • List the differential diagnosis for each disease process as related to the exam.
  • Perform ultrasound exams according to the Scope of Practice for sonographer's identified by the SDMS and according to recognized examination protocols.

Description

This course builds on the clinical competencies of DMS 72A. Preceptorship to obtain the technical expertise with emphasis on mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities required performing sonographic studies and procedures. Emphasis is on elementary level for abdominal and gynecological examinations as to delineate complete anatomic and functional information for interpretation. Intended for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. competently perform all primary examinations and procedures in a timely manner requiring elementary sonographic applications, including translating and calculation of quantitative data.
B. obtain accurate clinical history, physical findings, laboratory data for all types of patient procedures and examinations.
C. operate with supervision several different types of sonography equipment in conjunction with examination completion within acceptable time limits.
D. apply the use of onboard computer calculations and various key functions of the ultrasound system with accuracy.
E. demonstrate excellent communication skills with patients, physicians, staff and the public.
F. reinforce standards of practice when working with cultural sensitive environments, including various age and gender populations.
G. comply with "standards of practice" through the use of excellent communication skills, including adhering to the Standards of Profession Behavior, including but not exclusive to ethical behavior in a clinical practice.

Course Content

This course is a clinical preceptorship with the student assigned to a hospital or other qualified medical facility. It is designed as an integrative approach.
A. Perform at the elementary level the following and applications, to include knowledge of didactic information and principles of all examinations and procedures, with supervision, including:
1. gynecology
a. transabdominal application
b. endovaginal application
2. obstetrics
a. transabdominal application
b. endovaginal application
3. abdominal examinations
a. tranabdominal application
b. subcostal approach
c. intercostal application
4. invasive applications
a. appropriate application to setting up sterile trays and instruments
b. ascertain the correct patient information matches the patient and is entered appropriately in the computer system
c. acquire patient data, including medical history, laboratory data relevant to the invasive procedure
B. Obtain accurate clinical information, including medical history, physical findings, laboratory data, and apply to the acquisition of anatomy with consideration of physiology, and pathophysiology for the following subjects:
1. gynecology
2. obstetrics
3. abdominal applications
C. Perform the sonographic examination in a timely manner consistent with this level of training
1. uncomplicated abdominal examinations within 45 minutes
2. uncomplicated gynecological examinations within 40 minutes
3. uncomplicated obstetrical examinations for the first trimester within 30 minutes
4. uncomplicated obstetrical examinations for the second trimester within 50 minutes
5. uncomplicated obstetrical examinations for the third trimester within 50 minutes
D. Identify the various computer onboard calculations
1. input calculations accurately
2. recognize and explain the types and purposes of the various onboard computer calculations per patient examination
3. demonstrate the key functions and knobology of each ultrasound system
4. explain the methods to improve the sonographic image using the appropriate key functions
5. judge quality of images based on accepted criteria, image assessment
6. apply measurements correctly
7. criticize, appraise, and validate excellent image quality from nondiagnostic images
E. Demonstrate excellent verbal, nonverbal, listening, written communication skills with patients, staff, physicians, and the public in a culturally sensitive manner
1. demonstrate excellent communication skills with physicians
2. demonstrate excellent communication skills with staff
3. assume responsibility for patient examinations and presentation through action
4. apply program and department policy and procedures
F. Recognize and apply "standards of practice" when working with cultural sensitive patient, physicians, staff, and the general public through the use of excellent communication skills
1. oral skills
2. written skills
3. nonverbal skills
4. Standards of Professional behavior in a clinical practice
5. demonstrate age related competency
G. Traits of the health care professional
1. punctuality and dependable
2. accepts constructive criticism and complies
3. follows instruction
4. receptive
5. demonstrates enthusiasm

Lab Content

The laboratory portion of this course may include any of the following:
A. Live or simulated patient environment
B. Patient exams
C. Clinical assessment
D. Case analysis
E. Normal and pathology analysis
F. Patient interview
G. Medical history and other relevant data

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. Hospital and medical facilities, access to medical equipment, lab coat, name tag.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Clinical case presentations as presented orally, with demonstration and written assignment. Assessment will include clinical research conducted prior to presentation.
B. Skills and performance testing and evaluation by observation of performance.
C. Clinical competency and proficiency assessment will be conducted at mid-quarter and end of quarter.
D. Behavioral objectives evaluated by written form and observation.
E. Site visits in the clinical facility by faculty.
F. Practicum examination.

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

A. Lecture
B. Cooperative learning exercises
C. Oral presentations
D. Demonstration
E. Internship/preceptorship
F. Clinical lab

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Kawamura, D., and T. Nolan. Abdomen and Superficial Structure. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, MD, 2018.
Stephenson, S., and J. Dmitrieva. Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Obstetrics and Gynecology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer, MD, 2018.
 

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

A. Reading materials from texts and website research on patient pathology.
B. Critical analysis of patient examinations and findings.
C. Review of relevant published data as related to sonographic evidence of pathology and/or variants.
D. Report writing per patient case.
 

Discipline(s)

Diagnostic Medical Technology