Accurate analysis and assessment of complex cardiovascular disease and their pathological processes is a core part of all echocardiographic examinations. In preparation for clinical placement you will attain the knowledge and skills needed to analyse complex cardiovascular disease. This will include consideration of the echocardiographic generated images and assessment measures, haemodynamic calculations, pressures and valve prosthetics. You will apply knowledge to practical echocardiographic tasks in the laboratory setting, and utilise simulated clinical scenarios and case studies to analyse diagnostic data to provide differential diagnoses within an ethical framework of best practice and patient safety. You will demonstrate the professional knowledge, attitude and skills required to perform a complete echocardiographic study within a time frame related to clinical expectations. This unit prepares you for the clinical environment using the Assessment of Readiness for Clinical tool (ARC) in conjunction with other assessment tasks. Attendance at practical activities is a requirement of this unit.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments Report.

Concerns were raised about the high volume of content, which made it difficult to retain all the information, and the limited time available to prepare for the final exam.

Students will be reminded that third-year or double credit point units naturally require more commitment. Students will be encouraged to carefully review the unit profile and assessment schedule at the start of term to enable breakdown of tasks into manageable weekly goals. Students will be prompted more frequently to engage with support resources and activities and to reflect on study habits.

Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments Report & Email.

Unit coordinator support throughout the term was appreciated.

Continue to provide regular updates and clear guidance on assessments, expectations, and timelines to help students feel informed and supported. Build on successful engagement strategies by incorporating more interactive elements such as case studies and peer discussions. Continue to promote access to tutoring, consultation hours, and online resources, and encourage students to seek help early.

Feedback from Unit coordinator reflection.

Students tend to underperform in Part B of the practical measurement assessment (perhaps due to time constraints and its high-stakes nature) and clinical supervisor feedback suggests poor measurement performance during subsequent placement blocks, on occasion. Therefore a revised teaching and assessment strategy may better support student learning, measurement mastery and skill retention.

The implementation of a workbook-style assessment will be considered as part of the learning and teaching strategy to support progressive skill development. This approach encourages repeated practice and timely feedback, helping students build confidence and proficiency in measurement tasks over time.