Four Virtual-Reality Simulators for Diagnostic Abdominal Ultrasound Training in Radiology

Abstract

Ultrasound exams need skilled examiners, and simulation-based training could provide standardized and safe skill training. This study aims to give an overview of different types of virtual-reality simulators for use in abdominal diagnostic ultrasound training in radiology. Fifteen specialized radiologists and radiological residents were presented with two similar cases on four different simulators for abdominal ultrasound training. A feedback sheet for each individual simulator and for an overall comparison was filled out by all participants. All means of scores were compared, and simulators were ranked from least to most favorable. One simulator was ranked most favorable in seven out of nine questions, but none of the mean scores had statistically significant differences. All simulators were recommended for training radiologists, and all simulators were perceived to benefit trainees more than experienced ultra-sonographers.

Hands-On Time in Simulation-Based Ultrasound Training – A Dose-Related Response Study

“…Just as many in the other point of care ultrasound examinations, the result of a FAST examination could potentially have a great impact on the treatment of the patient. Therefore, the test itself was designed to discriminate between FAST novices and experienced users 12 . Since the trainees in this study did not have any ultrasound experience before the course, this clearly demonstrates that one short course, despite increasing amount of hands-on time, is not enough to learn how to use ultrasound in patient management including interpretation of clinical findings, since this requires more extensive training.…”

“…During the practice, the trainees performed several supervised FAST examinations on healthy volunteers followed by training on two different virtual reality simulators: Schallware (Ultrasound simulator station-128) and the Simbionix U/S mentor (3D systems). Both simulators can be used for diagnostic abdominal ultrasound training, the main difference being that the Schallware simulator uses recorded films of real patient scans whereas the Simbionix simulator uses computer-generated illustrations 12 . The simulators allow trainees to perform actual real-time dynamic FAST examinations with positive findings (i. e., free fluid) on lifelike mannequins with a mock ultrasound probe.…”

Editorial

“…Their perception of the videos was evaluated by a questionnaire. The use of videos may be further examined, improved and maybe introduced as educational material, so that for instance ultrasound teaching in the future could rely on students' reading, videos and training with a simulator: a method, which has been well studied in several papers [1,2].…”

Virtual Reality visualization for computerized COVID-19 lesion segmentation and interpretation

“…Particularly, the entertainment industry (gaming) where great progress was achieved in the last decade, and these developments are expected to radically transform healthcare services [34] . Furthermore, VR technology could improve the ergonomic environments of clinicians in such a way as to improve training process, treatment plan, and support clinical decision [35] , [36] .…”