A comparison between workshop and DVD methods of training for physiotherapists in diagnostic ultrasound

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the training package for improved educational outcome and to ascertain if there was a difference in outcome between two forms of delivery. The training package was delivered either during a workshop, where the training package was delivered face to face, or via a self paced DVD, which was mailed to participants. Both participant groups completed a web based assessment prior to and at the completion of the training. The assessment assessed their knowledge in ultrasound physics, scanning technique and anatomy. Pre and post training assessment scores were available for 84 participants who attended a workshop and 96 participants who received the DVD. Important and statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases in assessment scores from the beginning to the end of the training program were seen in both groups. On average, workshop participant scores improved by 37% and DVD participant scores improved by 27%. No statistical difference in the post assessment scores of the workshop trained or DVD trained participants was evident. On comparison, no statistically significant difference between the two methods of training; workshop and DVD, was found so both can be seen to be beneficial to the professional development of the physiotherapist in the use of diagnostic ultrasound within their profession.

Validity and Reliability of Methods for Sonography Education in Physiotherapy: Onsite vs. Online

“…The results obtained in our study for the scores of the theoretical exam did not indicated very large differences between the Online 1 and Onsite 1 groups (0.6708, SE = 0.2680) but significant differences were found between the Online 2 and Onsite 2 groups (1.1832, SE = 0.5425), probably due to cumulative education time in favor of the online group. These results are in discordance with previous studies [29,31]; however, Vegas et al [31] and Krishnan et al [33] concluded that online teaching could be beneficial when associated with traditional training.…”

“…Other studies [29,31] comparing traditional teaching with online teaching showed good results for both groups but without differences between groups. Fernandez-Lao et al [27] used a mobile app for ultrasound exploration versus traditional exploration, and found no significant difference between groups in the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge.…”

“…In other health sciences specialties, digital media have been used for training, finding increases in sensitivity of 86.6% and specificity of 85.6% for the detection of pneumothorax [33], as well as in transesophageal echocardiography [31], where an improvement of 60% was found; however, they used attendants who had previous or basic ultrasound education.…”

Influencing Physical Therapist's Self-efficacy for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Through Blended Learning: A Mixed Methods Study

“…However, enhanced knowledge may not result in training to transfer to the clinic. 17 Other educational designs incorporate simulation training to improve confidence and contribute to the transfer of training to application. [18][19][20] For example, training programs for the Focused Assessment Sonography for Trauma, a point-of-care ultrasound examination, have successfully used simulation-based blended learning models (ie, a combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning activities) to enhance learning experiences.…”