In this section
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The National Ultrasound Training Programme (NUTP) is an innovative training programme within NHS Scotland Academy which is a partnership between NHS Education Scotland and The Golden Jubilee National Hospital. The NUTP is helping NHS Scotland by boosting ultrasound training numbers across the country whilst tackling waiting lists. To-date, the NUTP has seen 12,883 patients, performed 15,701 scans and trained 72 learners since opening in November 2022.
Ultrasound is becoming more frequently used by medical professionals with a projected 4-6% increase in demand annually (1). Factors influencing the increased utility of ultrasound are its radiation-free nature, low cost, and ease of availability.
Training burden is an issue in already stretched services and provision of satisfactory training remains a key area of focus. The NUTP is transforming ultrasound education across Scotland by facilitating learners from multiple disciplines and sub-specialties in a unique, non-acute learning environment.
There is a known shortage within the Sonography workforce which is continuing to grow (2). Trainees in ultrasound are presenting from within Radiology and from other healthcare professional backgrounds including Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Gynaecology nursing, and a range of other medical professionals (3). In accordance with this, the NUTP has mentored learners from all backgrounds. The training is provided by highly skilled sonographers with specialist areas within their practice including Head and Neck Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and biopsy, General Medical, Gynaecology and Musculoskeletal. Collectively the team have created a friendly, supportive learning environment open to all professionals who use ultrasound employed within a Scottish NHS Health board. Directly funded by Scottish Government, it is free to access. The NUTP is in a distinctive position where it can offer bespoke training lists for each learner. Their lists are fully tailored to ensure in-depth training within their field. Feedback from learners attending the academy has been incredibly positive with the academy evolving and expanding to meet the needs of learners.
Direct clinical learning is not the only format of education employed by the NUTP. The NUTP has established masterclasses offering teaching in background and context, tutelage with practical clinical sessions and ask the expert opportunities which have been widely attended by all range of Healthcare professionals.
Quotes from learners
‘’I have learned so much from them all that has helped me gain confidence in scanning and develop my knowledge in ultrasound practice’’
‘’I am unsure if I would have been able to complete my training without the NUTP. This programme was a lifeline at the start of my training. Having the NUTP provided me with a supporting, patient and cohesive learning environment which is difficult to achieve within my place of work. All trainers were very supporting and took the time to help me with areas that needed further development’’
‘’Overall, an extremely positive, relaxed learning environment. I feel I thrived massively at the academy, the trainers are very approachable & friendly and go out their way at every opportunity to support you! Thank you for the experience, my scanning has came on heaps since my training at the academy’’
Quotes from Directorates and Specialist trainees
‘’We are very grateful for the training offered to our registrar group by the academy team. The feedback was universally glowing and the clear rapid improvement in learners skills was tantamount to the excellent teaching they received’’
‘’Genuinely one of the best training opportunities I have been given as an O&G trainee. Thank you!’’
The tenet of the NUTP is the multidisciplinary professionals attending each bring new strengths to the learning experience. Collaborative learning where sonographers learn from other professionals results professional development for all involved with a higher skill resulting in enhanced patient care. The NUTP aims to ensure training is of the highest quality with a focus on accelerated learning, learner wellbeing, building a sustainable workforce and better patient outcomes.
It is anticipated the quality of training across Scotland will facilitate a more standardised ultrasound service. If you are interested in the NUTP, their masterclasses, or what it might be able to offer your team then please contact [email protected]
Figures/ Pictures
1. Sonographers by region and numbers over time
2. Specialists by region and numbers over time
3. Total Examinations and breakdown
References:
1- DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGIC NETWORK, IMAGING EXECUTIVE BOARD and SCOTTISH RADIOLOGY TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME, 2023-last update, Diagnostic Imaging Workforce Plan for
NHS Scotland. Available: https://www.radiology.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Diagnostic-Imaging-Workforce-Plan-for-NHS-Scotland-v1.0.pdf [17/03, 2025].
2- THE SOCIETY AND COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHERS, 2009-last update, THE SOCIETY AND COLLEGE OF RADIOGRAPHERS
DEVELOPING AND GROWING THE SONOGRAPHER WORKFORCE:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDS. Available: https://www.sor.org/getmedia/8a548261-d067-422d-9edc-ca761bf478bf/sor_ultrasound_workforce_development.pdf_1.
3- SIDHU, P.S., EWERTSEN, C., PISKUNOWICZ, M., SECIL, M., RICCI, P., FISCHER, T., GAITINI, D., MITKOV, V., LIM, A.K.P., LU, Q., CHONG, W.K. and CLEVERT, D.A., 2023. Diversity of current ultrasound practice within and outside radiology departments with a vision for 20 years into the future: a position paper of the ESR ultrasound subcommittee. Insights into imaging,14(1), pp. 202.