Resident-Perceived Benefit of a Diagnostic and Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Curriculum

Abstract

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) training is now a required component of physiatry residency, but formal curriculum guidelines are not yet required or established. The authors’ objective was to assess the educational value of a collaborative residency MSUS training program. The authors designed a structured MSUS training curriculum for residents based on the authors’ experience and previous literature. Twenty-five residents participated in this MSUS curriculum designed by faculty and chief residents. Resident volunteers were trained by the faculty as “table trainers” who taught their peers in small groups. Handson MSUS training sessions were led by a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation faculty MSUS expert. A Likert scale–formatted questionnaire assessed resident-perceived value of the curriculum. Response rate was 96% (22 of 23). Self-reported MSUS knowledge comparing precurriculum and postcurriculum implementation resulted in significant improvement (P = 0.001). Peer teaching was highly valued, with 86% of residents rating it “very” or “extremely” beneficial (mean [SD] score, 3.9 [1.1]). Self-guided learning, by supplemental scanning and reading, was rated “beneficial” or “very beneficial” by 73% of residents (3.0 [0.7]). The authors’ successful pilot program may serve as a teaching model for other residency programs.

Toward a Consensus for Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Education in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

“…Near-peer teaching of learners by senior trainees can supplement preceptor-mediated training. 33,34 Meanwhile, MSKUS training opportunities are expanding through professional associations' clinician certificate programs and train-the-trainer sessions (eg, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's STEP: Skills, Training, Evaluation and Performance, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine's Neuromuscular Ultrasound Workshops, AAP's Faculty Development course on Teaching MSKUS Education). This is important because our survey data show a possible bias toward programs having a structured curriculum if the program director performs MSKUS himself/herself.…”

Beliefs, attitude, and knowledge of the Iranian physiatrists towards neuromusculoskeletal ultrasound and common barriers in its application

“…The results of a study by Luz et al [ 19 ] showed that after presenting training courses in the curriculum, the knowledge level of residents in neuromusculoskeletal sonography increased significantly, to the extent that 86% of the residents who participated in the study claimed ultrasound training to be “very necessary” or “definitely essential”. Also, 73% of them considered self-learning of this skill to be “useful” or “very useful”.…”

“…Stoven et al [ 18 ] also suggested the addition of sonography as an important training subject for internal medicine residents. The studies performed by Coris [ 3 ], Luz [ 19 ], and Arger [ 20 ] also emphasize the effectiveness, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of ultrasonography in the field of musculoskeletal disorders and deem it essential for physicians to receive sufficient training.…”

Impact of a Revised Curriculum Focusing on Clinical Neurology and Musculoskeletal Care on a Required Fourth-Year Medical Student Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clerkship

“…Direct observation of resident teachers also allows the Residency's Clinical Competency Committee to better assess a resident's progression through the Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Milestone 1 [19]. It has previously been demonstrated that utilizing PM&R residents as teachers in musculoskeletal care is well received by the learners [20]. …”