Ultrasound Scanning Sessions with DOPS Assessment
Many emergency clinicians are aiming to achieve RCEM Entrustment Scale 4 in point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) — which means being able to perform independently without supervisor involvement. However it can be difficult to get supervised practice to consolidate skills and it can also be difficult to get someone to confirm that you have achieved an adequate standard for sign off.
To address these challenges, we have designed two new options. You can choose a regular scanning session to improve your skills or opt for a session with DOPS assessment if you need to confirm your level on the RCEM Entrustment Scale. Scroll down to learn more about both options.
You can apply for 3 CPD points for this session.
Dates:
- Regular Scanning Sessions: 3rd February 2025
- Scanning Sessions with DOPS: 17th January 2025
Time: 9:30am – 12:30 pm or 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Fee:
- Regular Scanning Sessions: £99
- Scanning Sessions with DOPS: £159
Venue: Terracotta Court (ground floor), 167 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LN
What is DOPS?
DOPS stands for Direct Observation of Practical Skills. It’s an assessment tool used to evaluate a trainee’s competence in practical procedures, such as ultrasound scanning and interpretation. DOPS is one of the assessments that have replaced the previous triggered assessment model.
19 years of experience in teaching RCEM courses
17 000 clinicians have taken our courses
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About Our Ultrasound Scanning Sessions
Who are the scanning sessions for?
Our 3-hour ultrasound scanning sessions are ideal for you if you are:
- Looking to improve your ultrasound skills and increase your confidence in using them clinically
- Wanting to teach your ultrasound skills to junior staff
- Looking to record scans for your record keeping
- Working towards the new RCEM entrustment level 4
These sessions will support your ongoing learning, helping you continually improve your PoCUS skills and increase your confidence in using them clinically.
Which type of session should you choose?
If you already have some experience with ultrasound and simply want to enhance your ultrasound skills and boost your confidence in using them clinically, our intensive half-day ultrasound scanning sessions are exactly what you need. You will have freedom to practice any POCUS ultrasound applications with a skilled faculty member present to help you if necessary.
If you are looking for evidence that you have achieved a level of independent practice then we also offer the opportunity of combining a scanning session with DOPS assessment. You’ll have half a day to practice relevant skills under supervision, including a DOPS assessment conducted by a qualified emergency medicine consultant with extensive PoCUS expertise, who will complete the DOPS and advise you on which level on the RCEM Entrustment Scale you are working.
What will you do in the scanning sessions?
During the session, you will:
- Focus on specific subject areas tailored to your needs
- Practise using various ultrasound machines, including hand-held devices
- Perform scans on healthy volunteers and state-of-the-art simulators that demonstrate various pathologies
- Receive guidance and assistance from experienced faculty members
- Participate in a DOPS assessment (if you book a session with DOPS), conducted by an experienced PoCUS lead
Who Might Be Working With You On The Session?
Dr Ian Stell
(DOPS only)
Dr George Nada
(DOPS only)
Dr Giles Cattermole
(DOPS only)
Noor Ahmadi
(regular sessions)
Nadia Abbaspour
(regular sessions)
Alena Marshalovich
(regular sessions)
How to achieve Entrustment Scale 4?
According to RCEM guidance, to achieve full competence (Entrustment Scale 4) in performing procedural and diagnostic ultrasound scans, trainees should engage in a gradual, ongoing process to develop, improve, and maintain their skills and knowledge.
Competence is demonstrated through regular work-based assessments such as Case-based Discussions (CbD), Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Mini-CEX), and DOPS, along with personal reflections. The new competence-based model focuses more on the quality and consistency of your evidence rather than just numbers. However, you still need to prepare a scan logbook.
Why do DOPS with us?
It’s not always easy to obtain the necessary assessments at work — many hospitals lack qualified trainers, or trainers may not have sufficient time to assess your skills.
We have been teaching ultrasound courses since 2010, specialising in point-of-care ultrasound in emergency and acute settings. At our training centre, you’ll have access to a wide range of ultrasound machines and the opportunity to practise scanning on real people and simulators under the supervision of experienced faculty. The DOPS assessment is conducted by emergency medicine consultants with extensive PoCUS experience.
What Doctors Are Saying About Our Ultrasound Scanning Practice
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