Place of an Ultrasonography Simulator in Ultrasonography Training for Fertility Nurses

Abstract

Ultrasonography has a vital place in British fertility units, where it is commonly performed by nurses. This study evaluated the place of an ultrasonography simulator (Ultrasim) in ultrasonography training particularly for fertility nurses. Thirty-one participants took part in evaluation of the ultrasound simulator-two doctors, two ultrasonographers, and 27 fertility nurses and midwives with varying level of ultrasonography expertise. After using the simulator, participants were asked to give their opinion on the realism of the simulator and its potential as a training tool. All the 29 responding participants reported that the mannequin was easy to scan and suitable for training. Most participants found the mannequins (29 of 31 respondents) and transducer handling (27 of 29 respondents) to be satisfactory or greater than satisfactory. All 31 participants were satisfied with the image recognition training ability. Most participants felt that Ultrasim has a place in ultrasound training (29 of 31 respondents). Compared with ultrasound machines used routinely in fertility clinics this study suggests that the Ultrasim simulator has realistic controls and image quality with a place in the future training of fertility nurses.

Validation of Virtual Reality Simulation for Obstetric Ultrasonography

“…Virtual reality training on ultrasound simulators is potentially beneficial in training, but there are few published studies. 10 A study in Germany has shown that training on an ultrasound VR simulator (SonoTrainer) can improve the accuracy of expertcertified scanners performing nuchal translucency measurements in the first trimester of pregnancy. Sophisticated VR software has since been added, thereby creating realistic imaging.…”

Determining if simulation is effective for training in ultrasound: A narrative review

“…Sonography is a subjective process, and the standard to which ultrasound is performed depends on the training and experience of the individual. Adequate training is essential before a sonographer is deemed competent to practice independently . Simulation training has been integrated into ultrasound learning as it can develop hand‐eye coordination and teach functionality of controls without the added stressor of the clinical setting .…”

“…Adequate training is essential before a sonographer is deemed competent to practice independently . Simulation training has been integrated into ultrasound learning as it can develop hand‐eye coordination and teach functionality of controls without the added stressor of the clinical setting . This is important especially when it comes to teaching intimate ultrasound examinations .…”

“…Simulation training has been integrated into ultrasound learning as it can develop hand‐eye coordination and teach functionality of controls without the added stressor of the clinical setting . This is important especially when it comes to teaching intimate ultrasound examinations . Bahl et al assessed 31 health professionals after they utilised an UltraSim transvaginal simulator.…”

“…This is important especially when it comes to teaching intimate ultrasound examinations . Bahl et al assessed 31 health professionals after they utilised an UltraSim transvaginal simulator. The majority of the cohort was satisfied with the image recognition training and felt that this form of simulation had a place in ultrasound education .…”