Effectiveness of an Ultrasound Training Module for Internal Medicine Residents

Abstract

BackgroundFew internal medicine residency programs provide formal ultrasound training. This study sought to assess the feasibility of simulation based ultrasound training among first year internal medicine residents and measure their comfort at effectively using ultrasound to perform invasive procedures before and after this innovative model of ultrasound training.MethodsA simulation based ultrasound training module was implemented during intern orientation that incorporated didactic and practical experiences in a simulation and cadaver laboratory. Participants completed anonymous pre and post surveys in which they reported their level of confidence in the use of ultrasound technology and their comfort in identifying anatomic structures including: lung, pleural effusion, bowel, peritoneal cavity, ascites, thyroid, and internal jugular vein. Survey items were structured on a 5-point Likert scales (1 = extremely unconfident, 5 = extremely confident).ResultsSeventy-five out of seventy-six interns completed the pre-intervention survey and 55 completed the post-survey. The mean confidence score (SD) increased to 4.00 (0.47) (p < 0.0001). The mean (SD) comfort ranged from 3.61 (0.84) for peritoneal cavity to 4.48 (0.62) for internal jugular vein. Confidence in identifying all anatomic structures showed an increase over the pre-intervention means (p < 0.002).ConclusionA simulation based ultrasound learning module can improve the self-reported confidence with which residents identify structures important in performing invasive ultrasound guided procedures. Incorporating an ultrasound module into residents' education may address perceived need for ultrasound training, improve procedural skills, and enhance patient safety.

Longitudinal Ultrasound Curriculum Improves Long-Term Retention Among Internal Medicine Residents

“…All participated in a half-day, simulation-based ultrasound workshop. 7,8 The workshop consists of a 1-hour didactic session on the fundamentals of ultrasound, followed by 3 hours of hands-on education using both cadavers and live human subjects. The PGY-1 residents completed preworkshop and postworkshop examinations in which they reviewed static ultrasound images and were assessed on their ability to identify the following findings or structures: ascites, kidney, thyroid, pleural fluid, inferior vena DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4300/JGME-14-00284.1 cava, and internal jugular vein.…”

“…with experience in point-of-care ultrasound, and was adapted from prior research. 8 The workshop was previously shown to improve confidence 7 and knowledge 8 in identifying static ultrasound images.…”

“…[4][5][6] Prior studies have shown that ultrasound knowledge and skill can be acquired through dedicated training. 7,8 Various specialties, such as anesthesia, 9 orthopedics, 10 and emergency medicine, 11 have implemented formal ultrasound training. Additionally, medical schools have added ultrasound as an educational tool in the gross anatomy laboratory with favorable results.…”

Effect of Procedure Simulation Workshops on Resident Procedural Confidence and Competence

“…Mendiaratta-Lala et al 12 reported that a simulation-based ultrasound course improved radiology resident knowledge and confidence and resulted in an increase in skills for ultrasound-guided procedures, but the results were not statistically significant. Keddis et al 13 found that a simulation-based workshop significantly increased internal medicine resident confidence in identifying anatomic structures using ultrasound.…”

A Cost‐effective, Gelatin‐Based Phantom Model for Learning Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Procedures of the Head and Neck

“…Introducing ultrasound into medical training at the resident or even the medical student level improves understanding of anatomy, augments physical diagnostic skills, and facilitates learning of interventional techniques. [21][22][23] Within the field of otolaryngology in particular, ultrasound skills are rapidly becoming invaluable. Not only is ultrasound useful for visualizing the complicated anatomy of the head and neck, but it has also become incredibly useful for diagnosis of conditions including lymphadenopathy, cysts, lipomas, carotid body tumors, thyroid malignancy, salivary gland stones and tumors, and tumors of the oral cavity and airway.…”