Quantitating skill acquisition with optical ultrasound simulation

Abstract

Objective To investigate and compare the effect of simulator training on quantitative scores for ultrasound‐related skills for trainees with novice level ultrasound experience and expert ultrasound operators. Methods Three novice (comprising of 11, 32, 23 participants) and one expert (10 participants) subgroups undertook an ultrasound simulation training session. Pre‐ and post‐training test scores were collected for each subgroup. Outcome measures were as follows: mean accuracy score for obtaining the correct anatomical plane, percentage of correctly acquired target planes, mean number of movements, time to achieve image, distance travelled by probe and accumulated angling of the probe. Results The novices showed improvement in image acquisition after completion of the simulation training session with an improvement in the rate of correctly acquired target planes from 28–57% to 39–83%. This was not replicated in the experts. The novice’s individual ratios based on pre‐ vs. post‐training metrics improved between 1.7‐ and 4.3‐fold for number of movements, 1.9‐ and 6.7‐fold for distance, 2.0‐ and 5.2‐fold for time taken and 1.8‐ and 7.3‐fold for accumulated angling. Among the experts, there was no relationship between pre‐training simulator metrics and years of ultrasound experience. Conclusions The individual simulation metrics suggest the sessions were delivered at an appropriate level for basic training as novice trainees were able to show demonstrable improvements in both efficiency and accuracy on the simulator. Experts did not improve after the simulation modules, and the novice scores post‐training were similar to those of experts, suggesting the exercises were valid in testing ultrasound skills at novice but not expert level.

Learning Curve for Ultrasound Assessment of Myometrial Infiltration in Endometrial Cancer Visualizing Videoclips: Potential Implications for Training

“…Ultrasound training requires both "hands" and "eyes" training. In other words, it requires training in how to perform the ultrasound examination and training in how to interpret the images observed [9]. Our group has demonstrated the effectiveness of a structured training program for ultrasound examination in some areas of gynecological ultrasound such as adnexal masses [10], endometriosis [11] and uterine congenital anomalies [12].…”

Simulation-based education in ultrasound – diagnostic and interventional abdominal focus

“…Die Ultraschall-Simulation deckt ein breites Spektrum an Möglichkeiten ab und ist derzeit in vielen klinischen Labors in Universitätskliniken zur Unterstützung der Ausbildung verfügbar [17]. SBT kann auf allen Ebenen der medizinischen Ausbildung eingesetzt werden [2,18] und ermöglicht den Ärzten, Vertrauen zu gewinnen und vor allem grundlegende Fähigkeiten und Kompetenzen zu erwerben, bevor sie Eingriffe am Patienten vornehmen [19,20]. Die Ultraschall-Simulation dient als Ergänzung zur traditionellen Didaktik des "See one, do one, teach one" [21]…”

“…Research Ultrasound simulation covers a broad range of opportunities and is currently available for educational support in many clinical skill laboratories in university hospitals [17]. SBT can be used for all levels of healthcare education [2,18] allowing healthcare professionals to gain confidence and most importantly achieve basic skills and competences prior to performing procedures on patients [19,20]. Ultrasound simulation serves as an adjunct to the traditional educational approach of "see onedo one, teach one" [21].…”