Assessment of OB/Gyn Residents’ Knowledge of Basic Obstetric Sonography and Psychomotor Skills Posttraining on a Computer-Based Simulator

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to evaluate how a high-fidelity computer-based sonography simulator (FCBSS) can be used in training obstetrics and gynecology residents and evaluate efficacy of high-fidelity CBSS in enhancing resident’s sonographic knowledge, psychomotor skills, and level of confidence in performing sonographic fetal assessments. Materials and Methods: Eleven postgraduate year 1 residents (PGY1s) and ten PGY2s were assessed on sonographic performance by measuring psychomotor skills and evaluating the accuracy of the sonographic images. PGY2s received traditional sonography training while PGY1s received three individualized training sessions on a high-fidelity CBSS. At the conclusion, all residents received feedback and completed a survey to establish their current confidence level in performing and interpreting sonograms. Results: PGY2s scored a median of 33/66 points on the assessment, while PGY1s scored a median of 64/66 points. Statistical analysis performed from motion analysis metrics between cohorts revealed a statistically significant difference, with PGY1s demonstrating higher psychomotor skills. Interquartile ranges of PGY1s’ scores were smaller than PGY2s’, revealing consistency in knowledge and skills among the PGY1 cohort. Conclusion: Findings suggests that high-fidelity CBSS can be used effectively in training residents. It also demonstrates that implementation of formalized sonography training, using a high-fidelity CBSS, can be achieved and potentially expedite and enhance the learning of novice learners.

Utilizing Simulation as a Means to Teach Diagnostic Medical Sonography: A Multi-Site Discipline-Based Educational Research Project

“…12 Furthermore, the researchers ensured that debrief and feedback sessions were provided for select labs and at the conclusion of all assessments, as this is an essential part of the research. It is also important to emphasize the significance of the feedback and debrief sessions for both educators’ and learners’ literature, as this was highlighted as a critical factor by Issenberg et al 3 In a study by Mohammad et al, 13 residents who were trained on simulators noted that feedback and debrief were an important part of their learning process and clinical mastery for OB/GYN sonography.…”