The impact of internet and simulation‐based training on transoesophageal echocardiography learning in anaesthetic trainees: a prospective randomised study

Abstract

SummaryWith the increasing role of transoesophageal echocardiography in clinical fields other than cardiac surgery, we decided to assess the efficacy of multi-modular echocardiography learning in echo-na€ ıve anaesthetic trainees. Twenty-eight trainees undertook a pre-test to ascertain basic echocardiography knowledge, following which the study subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: learning via traditional methods such as review of guidelines and other literature (non-internet group); and learning via an internet-based echocardiography resource (internet group). After this, subjects in both groups underwent simulation-based echocardiography training. More tests were then conducted after a review of the respective educational resources and simulation sessions. Mean (SD) scores of subjects in the non-internet group were 28 (10)%, 44 (10)% and 63 (5)% in the pre-test, post-intervention test and post-simulation test, respectively, whereas those in the internet group scored 29 (8)%, 59 (10)%, (p = 0.001) and 72 (8)%, p = 0.005, respectively. The use of internet-and simulation-based learning methods led to a significant improvement in knowledge of transoesophageal echocardiography by anaesthetic trainees. The impact of simulation-based training was greater in the group who did not use the internet-based resource. We conclude that internet-and simulation-based learning methods both improve transoesophageal echocardiography knowledge in echo-na€ ıve anaesthetic trainees.

Simulation‐based teaching versus point‐of‐care teaching for identification of basic transoesophageal echocardiography views: a prospective randomised study

“…Simulation-based learning in TOE is gaining in popularity, with expert opinion reinforcing the results of studies showing benefit when compared with more traditional methods of TOE teaching [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The primary objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of simulationbased and point-of-care TOE training to enable echocardiography-na€ ıve trainees to identify the cardiac anatomy associated with the 20 standard TOE imaging planes.…”

Evaluation of TEE Training for Chinese Anesthesiology Residents Using Two Various Simulation Systems

“…Jerath's study suggested that Virtual TEE was a useful adjunctive tool for learning TEE [17] without hand-on experience Moreover, this team also found that 1 hour training using the virtual TTE simulation is essential for improving the knowledge of navigation among the 20 standard views for the trainees [18]. However, limited number of participants in both studies and no control group may not precisely validate if virtual TEE system can replace traditional TEE methods for training purpose Another prospective randomized study was reported to evaluate the effects of Virtual TEE and simulation-based training on TEE learning for anesthetic trainees [19]. The results showed that trainees who received TEE training via Virtual TEE acquired better image recognition skills compared to those who used traditional methods.…”

Can Simulation Help to Answer the Demand for Echocardiography Education?

“…Evidence for Effectiveness of Echocardiography Simulation Several investigators and experts regard the use of echocardiographic simulation as an enhancement and an accelerator to traditional learning programs. [63][64][65][66] A comprehensive description of these studies is beyond the scope of this review; their key features and findings are summarized in table 4. Although most of these studies are underpowered due to the limited sample size, the individual results in these studies highlight a high level of compliance and satisfaction among trainees with the simulation process.…”