Postgraduate medical ultrasound student perceptions and experiences of academy model clinical ultrasound training in Scotland
Diane Dickson, Glasgow Caledonian University
Background and aim
The National Ultrasound Training programme (NUTP) is a new initiative based within the NHS Scotland Academy, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, to support clinical ultrasound training and boost training numbers in response to workforce decline and increased demand on service. NHS Scotland Health Boards are being supported through funding of trainees from the Scottish Government, directed by the NHS Recovery Plan 2021–2026.
Clinical training is a key component in the development of ultrasound competency and is traditionally heavily supported by NHS board clinical staff in their role as mentor/practice educator. This study will explore the perceptions and experiences of the first cohort of students who undertake clinical training within the newly established NUTP. Identifying potential opportunities and challenges, this study will provide evidence-based recommendations for any future enhancements.
Method
Up to six 60-minute, semi-structured, one-to-one Microsoft Teams interviews with NUTP trainees were planned for between June and September 2023. Open-ended questions to explore perspectives, barriers and facilitators were to be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, with participants invited to verify the transcript to establish rigour. Interpretative phenomenological analysis using inductive coding derived from the data’s lower order themes was to be employed to explore data within and across participants.
This study was reviewed by the School of Health and Life Sciences (Psychology, Social Work and Allied Health Sciences) departmental committee and given ethical approval on 13/04/2022 under the following approval code: HLS/PSWAHS/21/213
Results
The NUTP is supporting nine students from six Scottish NHS boards. Two interviews were scheduled, with recruitment ongoing. Demographic service data and qualitative key findings and any future recommendations would be made available for conference presentation.
Conclusions
Conclusions will be based on results following data collection and analysis.