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 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 will be
performed between June and September 2023. Open-ended questions to explore perspectives, barriers and
facilitators will 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 will 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 have been scheduled
and recruitment is ongoing. Demographic service data and qualitative key findings and any future
recommendations will be available for conference presentation.
Conclusions
Conclusions will be based on results following data collection and analysis.