Hello there! Let's get started...
Achieving RCEM Level ONE POCUS Competency!
There are 4 phases to this!
- Knowledge phase
- Experience phase
- Competency phase
- Final sign off
Knowledge phase
Getting started...
After logging into your RCEM Learning account, complete all 8 Ultrasound eLearning modules under the curriculum tab. These are
- U1 Ultrasound Physics
- U2 Sectional and Ultrasonic Anatomy
- U3 Pathology in relation to ultrasound
- U4 Administration and governance
- U5 FAST
- U6 AAA
- U7 Vascular access
- U8 Echo in Life support (ELS)
Essential reading
This is a great book from RCEM website on all of the Level ONE scans.
It has details of the POCUS Curriculum,
OSCE sheets used for triggered assessments of the 4 required scans and the Final Sign off sheet.
FRCEM Final SAQ exam will have about 3 questions on POCUS (about 10 marks of the 180). Use this book to read up.
Attend a RCEM Level ONE course
Enter "Level ONE ultrasound course in U.K." into your internet search engine and pick your preferred course. These usually run over 1-2 days. There are lectures on basics of ultrasound, knobology, FAST, AAA, Vascular access, echo in life support & governance followed by hands on training with tutors. You will be given a certificate of attendance at the end of the course.
How to write a reflective entry for your log book!
You could just use the NHS E-portfolio!
OR
If you prefer writing on paper/word document please use the following checklist.
- Case reflection Title
- Your name:
- GMC number:
- Date of case:
- Location:
- Patient's gender:
- Patient's age:
- Equipment used:
- Ultrasound application used (FAST/AAA/echo/Vascular access)
- Describe the clinical scenario:
- How was ultrasound used in this case?
- Were you able to obtain usable images?
- Were you able to interpret the images?
- Did Ultrasound change management of the patient?
- What did you learn from this case?
- Images if available (anonymous)
Who can sign your log book?
A Level ONE or Level TWO independent practitioner can supervise, teach and sign your log book. We have many consultants & registrars who would be happy to do this for you!
Would you like some supervised scanning practice?
50% of your log-book can be practice scans! So come along to one of our monthly HOT-POCUS sessions. We can do just the scans you need! You will be given feedback on each scan you perform - correcting your technique, tips to acquire and optimize your scans. All scans performed can be logged and signed off on the day.
Before you trigger an assessment CHECKLIST!
Triggering an assessment means you are ready to take the OSCE for a Level ONE scan!
Are you ready with the following?
- Certificate of attendance at a Level ONE course OR certificates of completion of all 8 RCEM Ultrasound modules with local modular training.
- Log book of 40 scans (10 each of FAST/AAA, echo, IV access)
- Reflective entries - 10 nos
Additional (optional) evidence of webinars, podcasts, videos, blogs, research, attendance at conferences lectures or workshops may be submitted.
Competency phase
Book an exam!
*COVID Pandemic update*
Please contact Priyadarshini.Marathe@ouh.nhs.uk if you feel you are ready for an assessment.
This will consist of a review of all evidence of learning and log book followed by an OSCE style assessment of your scanning technique.
Complete all 4 triggered assessments!
All 4 ultrasound scans need a completed and successful triggered assessment before you can have the Final sign off.