Assessment of knowledge retention and the value of proctored ultrasound exams after the introduction of an emergency ultrasound curriculum

Abstract

BackgroundOptimal training required for proficiency in bedside ultrasound is unknown. In addition, the value of proctored training is often assumed but has never been quantified.MethodsTo compare different training regimens for both attending physicians and first year residents (interns), a prospective study was undertaken to assess knowledge retention six months after an introductory ultrasound course. Eighteen emergency physicians and twelve emergency medicine interns were assessed before and 6 months after an introductory ultrasound course using a standardized, image-based ultrasound test. In addition, the twelve emergency medicine interns were randomized to a group which received additional proctored ultrasound hands-on instruction from qualified faculty or to a control group with no hands-on instruction to determine if proctored exam training impacts ultrasound knowledge. Paired and unpaired estimates of the median shift in test scores between groups were made with the Hodges-Lehmann extension of the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test.ResultsSix months after the introductory course, test scores (out of a 24 point test) were a median of 2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.0) points higher for residents in the control group, 5.0 (95% CI 3.0 to 6.0) points higher for residents in the proctored group, and 2.5 (95% CI 1.0 to 4.0) points higher for the faculty group. Residents randomized to undergo proctored ultrasound examinations exhibited a higher score improvement than their cohorts who were not with a median difference of 3.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 5.0) points.ConclusionWe conclude that significant improvement in knowledge persists six months after a standard introductory ultrasound course, and incorporating proctored ultrasound training into an emergency ultrasound curriculum may yield even higher knowledge retention.

Assessment of a Training Curriculum for Emergency Ultrasound for Pediatric Soft Tissue Infections

“…[32][33][34][35] Our study analyzed examinations performed up to 14 months following the initial training, and similarly, multiple studies have demonstrated skill retention up to 18 months following a focused EUS training course. 12,36 Our data suggest that EUS for SSTI in uncooperative children is more technically challenging. Therefore, physicians may want to consider methods to promote cooperation, such as distracting techniques, child life specialists, if available, and in some cases, pharmacologic anxiolysis.…”

Dedicated Emergency Department Ultrasound Rotation Improves Residents’ Ultrasound Knowledge and Interpretation Skills

“…In a more recent study, Noble et al examined EM residents given a 2-day ultrasound course consisting of 8 h of didactics with or without additional hands-on training. Six months after the didactic course, there was improvement in ultrasound test scores among all residents, with the greatest improvement seen in the group of residents receiving additional hands-on training (11).…”

Development of the ultrasonography learning model for undergraduate medical students: A case study of the Faculty of Medicine, Burapha University

“…Noble et al 25 reported that proctored US training significantly improved knowledge and higher knowledge retention 6 months after the exam was completed, and 10 months, according to another article. 17 To track image accuracy over time, an ultrasound digital portfolio may be useful to document the student's US longitudinal experience.…”