UHNM-developed ultrasound training programme helps patients get scan results quicker
A pioneering training initiative developed at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is helping to cut patient waiting times for diagnostic scans.
The Sonography High Intensity Focused Training (SHIFT) programme is helping to meet an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging services by providing early years radiology trainees with simulation-based training using advanced ultrasound simulators.
The 12-week programme, funded by NHS England through the Midlands Imaging Training Academy, develops key skills in using scanning equipment, taking clear images and anatomy of the abdomen. Since its launch in 2023, SHIFT has trained 20 radiology trainees, 14 first-year and six second-year doctors, all of who will remain at UHNM for their full five-year radiology training helping to reduce the backlog in the service.
Dr Haroon Khan, gastrointestinal radiology trainee at UHNM who helped to develop the training, said: “Traditionally, ultrasound training is delivered on a one-to-one basis between a tutor and trainee. This model is increasingly difficult to sustain given rising demand for radiology services and the need to expand the radiology workforce. By incorporating simulation into early years training, SHIFT equips trainees with the skills and confidence to progress more quickly into patient-facing practice.
“Our outcomes are measured through both formal assessments and trainee feedback. Figures show an 85 per cent reduction in trainer time compared with traditional one-to-one teaching, and results have demonstrated not only an increased trainee confidence and competence in ultrasound imaging but first-year trainees achieving skill levels comparable to second-year trainees trained through traditional methods.”
The programme has also been extended to include radiographers further supporting efforts to reduce imaging backlogs at UHNM.
One of the trainees to benefit from the programme was Dr Abin Varghese, a second-year radiology registrar.
Dr Varghese said: “The training has been really good, it’s really accelerated my learning, and being able to teach first-year trainees as part of the programme has been an invaluable experience.”
Dr Saleema Rojubally, a first-year radiology registrar said: “The programme gave me a strong foundation in ultrasound before I started scanning real patients, which I believe has helped improve the patient experience. After taking a break in my training, I found it particularly valuable to return to the simulator, it allowed me to refresh my skills, rebuild confidence, and ensure I was fully prepared before patient-facing work.”
The programme has received national recognition by the British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (BSGAR) who awarded it its 2025 Clive Bartram Prize for Best Scientific Report.
Dr Ingrid Britton, consultant gastrointestinal radiologist at UHNM, said: “We are delighted that SHIFT has been nationally recognised. This innovative programme is a testament to the vision and dedication of our radiology team and demonstrates UHNM’s commitment to delivering high-quality training, building workforce capacity and improving patient care.”
Dr Khan added: “The demand for radiology services continues to grow, and ultrasound training must evolve to meet this challenge. We are proud that this innovative approach has been developed at UHNM and recognised nationally.
“UHNM will continue to develop the SHIFT programme with the aim of embedding simulation-based ultrasound training more widely across the imaging workforce.”