BSE adapts to challenging times with simulated scanning for candidates

We were recently delighted to be able to support the BSE with their TTE, Critical Care, and Level 1 practical assessments. We caught up with Executive Director, Jo Sopala, to hear what she thought of the day…

“The British Society of Echocardiography is regarded as having a world class accreditation process and a major contributor to that is the practical assessments we run.  Each year we assess 200-300 candidates in order to establish whether they have achieved the standards required to attain accreditation.

We had over 100 candidates due to be assessed in March and June. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic we were unable to run these assessment days. Our candidates understood, but many of them needed their accreditation to progress and all of them had worked hard to prepare.

The BSE prides itself on putting the needs of its members first and we were determined to find a solution. We knew we could identify a site which would enable us to socially distance sufficiently, however the scanning element of the assessment generally relies on us using volunteers willing to be scanned. We could not operate in this way given the current circumstances.

Fortunately for our members, we had a potential solution.  We approached Michael at Intelligent Ultrasound and asked if the company would support us by providing simulators for the day. Luckily they agreed, and more than that, they attended to ensure everything ran smoothly. We had wondered if candidates would be unnerved by being assessed scanning the simulators, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and everyone was grateful that the day had gone ahead.

I want to thank everyone at Intelligent Ultrasound for supporting us, especially the team who set up the day before and supported on the day. You enabled us to meet the continued needs of our members and gave our candidates the opportunity to progress to accredited status.  Special thanks to Michael who is always willing to work with us to identify creative solutions.

One of the most outstanding things about the echo community is that it is always committed to help develop others. We recognise our industry partners as playing a pivotal role in the echo community. It is no exaggeration to say the day would not have gone ahead without Intelligent Ultrasound’s support. Thank you.”

For more information on the BSE visit www.bsecho.org