Head and Neck Ultrasound – EFSUMB Training Recommendations for the Practice of Medical Ultrasound in Europe

Abstract

Different surgical and medical specialists increasingly use head and neck ultrasound and ultrasound-guided interventions as part of their clinical practice. We need to ensure high quality and standardized practice across specialties, and this position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) describes the training requirements for head and neck ultrasound. Traditionally, a minimum number of ultrasound examinations indicates competence, but this is unreliable, and a general shift towards competence-based training is ongoing. For each EFSUMB level, we will outline the theoretical knowledge and skills needed for clinical practice. The recommendations follow the three EFSUMB competency levels for medical ultrasound practice. Level 1 describes the skills required to perform essential head and neck ultrasound examinations independently, level 2 includes ultrasound-guided interventions, while level 3 involves the practice of high-level neck ultrasound and use of advanced technologies. Our goal is to ensure high quality and standardized head and neck ultrasound practice performed by different clinical specialists with these recommendations.

Head and neck ultrasound training improves the diagnostic performance of otolaryngology residents

“…However, US is an operator‐dependent imaging modality, and competency in head and neck US should be ensured among the clinicians conducting US for independent practice 1 . The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound In Medicine and Biology recommend that physicians complete formal US courses as an essential part of training 9,10 . Still, only a few countries have incorporated formal ultrasound training into their otolaryngology residency programs 11 .…”

“… 1 The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound In Medicine and Biology recommend that physicians complete formal US courses as an essential part of training. 9 , 10 Still, only a few countries have incorporated formal ultrasound training into their otolaryngology residency programs. 11 A study from the United States found strong interest in surgeon‐performed ultrasound among 78% of the otolaryngology residents, while only 24% had attended a formal ultrasound course.…”

Validating the virtual: a deep dive into ultrasound simulator metrics in otorhinolaryngology

“…The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine mandates that novices complete 100 supervised head and neck US examinations before they are deemed competent for unsupervised practice [ 6 ]. Conversely, the European Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology suggests 300 supervised scans [ 8 ]. Yet, there is very limited evidence to support that volume is a predictor of diagnostic competence.…”

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies (US-CNBs) in cervical lymphadenopathy in patients with suspected head and neck cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In addition to medical history and clinical findings, various imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) are used to assess masses of unclear character in the head and neck region. US has proven to be an inexpensive, simple, and accurate real-time imaging modality [7][8][9][10].…”