Twenty-two doctors working in Arnhem Land \u2013 one of the most remote parts of Australia – recently convened in the region\u2019s largest town – Nhulunbuy to learn lifesaving ultrasound skills.<\/p>\n
Upskilling remote area doctors, who are often the only medical professional in their region, means the patient does not need to travel, often long and expensive journeys, for diagnostic ultrasounds.<\/p>\n
The participants were trained over two, one day programs through a course organised by Flinders NT Regional Training Hub and the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine.<\/p>\n
The jointly hosted inaugural Introduction to Point of Care Ultrasound course for GPs and rural generalists will enable diagnosis of problems wherever a patient is being treated.<\/p>\n
Ultrasound skills learned during the program include USS eFAST questions – extended focussed abdominal scan for trauma, identifying foreign bodies in wounds – such as metal, and doing nerve blocks – a method of producing anaesthesia to relieve pain.<\/p>\n
The medical staff – 15 consultant doctors, five GP registrars and two trainee doctors from the NT Medical Program representing five health services of East Arnhem Land – Miwatj, Laynhapuy, Groote Eylandt, Gove District Hospital and Arnhem Family Medical Practice participated in the program.<\/p>\n
The workshop held on 12-13 November enabled participants to upskill without travelling interstate to fee paying courses.<\/p>\n
Gove District Hospital Dr Emma Kelly said it was an \u201cimmensely useful and practical skill for remote generalism, that I will continue to use\u201d.<\/p>\n
Flinders NT Regional Training Hub Program Manager Eliza Gill said the training had been invaluable for the staff living in East Arnhem Land.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will improve practices thereby benefiting the broader community and further enhance the high-quality medical care provided by generalist teams in East Arnhem Land,\u201d Ms Gill said.<\/p>\n