Focused Abdominal Sonography in Palliative Care (FASP)

Course description

Join us for an exciting and informative two-day introduction to point-of-care ultrasound for the palliative care physician and learn how it can enhance your clinical assessment and practice!

The two day course combines lectures and practical sessions to give you the chance to hone your skills on healthy volunteers, as well as discussion of ultrasound governance in a hospice setting and support with setting up your own ultrasound service. If you have access to a portable ultrasound machine, there is the potential to bring this with you to enable effective training however, there will also be a range of machines available for your learning.

Course places are limited to ensure an excellent learning experience for all - further course dates are planned for December 2026 so please get in touch to express an interest if you are unable to attend this course.

Topics covered

Over two days of interactive, hands-on teaching you will gain confidence and competence in:

  • Diagnosis of ascites and identifying safe sites for paracentesis

  • Rule-in DVT assessment

  • Differential diagnosis of acute breathlessness

  • Ultrasound physics and image interpretation

  • Assessing the bladder for urinary retention

  • Assessing the kidneys for hydronephrosis

  • Identification of obstructive jaundice

  • Peripheral cannulation under ultrasound guidance

Course facilitators

The course is facilitated by Dr Seb Van der Linden, Specialty Registrar in Palliative Medicine and General Medicine in Sheffield.

Following accreditation in Focused Acute Medical Ultrasound (FAMUS) in 2021 he has been working to integrate point of care ultrasound within palliative medicine to aid clinical decision making and improve outcomes for patients. After working together with Professor Max Watson to further develop the FASP curriculum and teaching programme he is now leading an updated programme focused on how point of care ultrasound can be integrated into everyday palliative care settings.

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.

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

Location:

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

Duration:

2 Days

CPD credits:

12.5 hours

Cost:

£500 per person. Lunch and refreshments are included in course fees.

Application status:

Open

Available dates:

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 wilkes@hospicesheffield.co.uk

Education and Courses

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 wilkes@hospicesheffield.co.uk

Get in touch

Available Dates

Note Start Date End Date Location Status Book now
9am - 5pm 28/05/2026 29/05/2026 St Luke's Hospice,
Little Common Lane,
Sheffield,
S11 9NE
Open Apply
9am - 5pm 03/12/2026 04/12/2026 St Luke's Hospice,
Little Common Lane,
Sheffield,
S11 9NE
Open Apply