Focused Abdominal Ultrasound Palliative Care Course (FASP)

Course description

The Focused Abdominal Ultrasound Palliative Care Course (FASP) is a two-day practical programme designed to equip palliative care clinicians with the skills to integrate point-of-care ultrasound into their practice. Through a combination of teaching and hands-on training, participants will learn the principles of ultrasound physics and image interpretation, and gain focused skills in assessing the bladder for urinary retention, evaluating the kidneys for hydronephrosis, identifying ascites and marking a safe site for drainage, and carrying out rule-in assessments for DVT.

The course also explores the role of ultrasound in the management of patients with Motor Neurone Disease and advanced neurological conditions, highlighting how these techniques can support timely decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Topics covered

Ultrasound physics and image interpretation
Asessing the bladder for urinary retention
Assessing the kidneys for hydronephrosis
Motor Neurone Disease/ Advanced Neurological conditions in palliative care
Identifying ascites and marking safe site for drainage
Rule-in DVT assessment
Identifying obstructive jaundice
Peripheral cannulation using ultrasound guidance

Key information

Suitable for:

Consultants, Speciality & Associate Specialist (SAS) Doctors, Registrars, Consultant Nurses and Advanced Clinical Practitioners

Course type:

Face to face

Delivery mode:

Classroom

Course location:: St Luke's Hospice, Little Common Lane, Sheffield, S11 9NE

Duration:

2 Days

CPD Credits:

12 hours

Cost:

£400 per person. Concession rate of £100 for Yorkshire & Humber Speciality Trainees. Lunch is included in course fees.

Application status:

Open

Start date:

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 November 2025. Closing date for bookings is Friday 31 October.

Apply today

Course facilitators

The course is facilitated by Dr Seb Van der Linden, Specialty Registrar in Palliative Medicine and General Internal Medicine in Sheffield, and Professor Max Watson MBE, Palliative Medicine Consultant and internationally recognised leader in palliative care education.

With expertise in integrating ultrasound into palliative care settings, they bring a wealth of clinical and educational experience, offering participants an opportunity to develop practical skills under expert guidance. This course is ideal for clinicians seeking to expand their diagnostic toolkit and enhance the quality of care for patients with advanced and complex needs.

Payment terms

All course fees must be paid prior to attendance. Standard payment terms are 30 days from the date of invoice, or before the start of the course if the course date falls sooner.

Cancellation Policy
Please note that once a booking has been made and payment received, course fees are non-refundable.

Our courses

Read more about the courses we have available by visiting the main Wilkes webpage below. To speak to us about partnering on a new course, or support with course delivery please email [email protected]

More about The Wilkes Institute

Test Bullet Points

Contact us

To get in touch about the St Luke's Wilkes Institute, speak to us about partnering on a new course, or to support with course delivery, please email us at [email protected]

Get in touch