Ultrasonography in undergraduate medical education: a comprehensive review and the education program implemented at Jichi Medical University

Abstract

The concept of point-of-care ultrasound has been widely accepted owing to the development of portable ultrasound systems and growing body of evidence concerning its extensive utility. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that training to use this modality be included in undergraduate medical education. Training in ultrasonography helps medical students learn basic subjects such as anatomy and physiology, improve their physical examination skills, and acquire diagnostic and procedural skills. Technological advances such as simulators, affordable handheld devices, and tele-ultrasound systems can facilitate undergraduate ultrasound education. Several reports have indicated that some medical schools have integrated ultrasound training into their undergraduate medical curricula. Jichi Medical University in Japan has been providing medical students with ultrasound education to fulfill part of its mission to provide medical care to rural areas. Vertical integration of ultrasound education into a curriculum seems reasonable to ensure skill retention and improvement. However, several issues have hampered the integration of ultrasound into medical education, including a lack of trained faculty, the need to recruit human models, requisition of ultrasound machines for training, and limited curricular space; proposed solutions include peer teaching, students as trained simulated patients, the development of more affordable handheld devices, and a flipped classroom approach with access to an e-learning platform, respectively. A curriculum should be developed through multidisciplinary and bottom-up student-initiated approaches. Formulating national and international consensuses concerning the milestones and curricula can promote the incorporation of ultrasound training into undergraduate medical education at the national level.

Radiology for anatomy educators: Success of an online, 2‐day course for radiology training

“…This can be attributed to the increased use in all health professions, the observed benefits of early inclusion in anatomy education, a growing anatomy educator shortage, and an increase in new programs to meet the growing physician demand 42,62 . Unfortunately, a lack of education opportunities for additional learning leaves anatomy educators wholly unprepared for the increase in demand 18,63 . To benefit educators and our future healthcare professionals, expanding the availability of continuing education courses that are focused on radiology training is needed to prepare anatomy educators for the challenges that lie ahead.…”

Effectiveness of a Short Course on Undergraduate Medical Students' Acquisition of Basic Ultrasound Skills

“…[ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ] Studies have also shown that the use of portable or handheld US devices are active learning tools to obtain real-time visual information and that feedback broadens medical students' horizons and increases their motivation to learn. [ 14 , 15 ] In line with this, in the 2020 statement from the Canadian Ultrasound Consensus for Undergraduate Medical Education Group, 85 curricular elements were recommended for inclusion in teaching in Canadian medical school-focused US curricula. [ 16 ]…”

Ultrasound skills teaching in UK medical education: A systematic review

“…practice sessions. 19 The use of open practice sessions is also supported by others 24 and may address issues related to restricted curricular time. However, caution must be raised over the potential for the development of bad technique or confusion due to a lack of tutor guidance.…”