Effectiveness of a Perioperative Transthoracic Ultrasound Training Program for Students and Residents

Publication date: Available online 24 February 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Juliet June Ray, Jonathan P. Meizoso, Valerie Hart, Davis Horkan, Vicente Behrens, Krishnamurti A. Rao, Charles A. Karcutskie, Joshua Lenchus, Carl I. Schulman, Roman Dudaryk
ObjectiveFocused ultrasound (US) is being incorporated across all levels of medical education. Although many comprehensive US courses exist, their scope is broad, requiring expert instructors, access to simulation, and extensive time commitment by the learner. We aim to compare learning across levels of training and specialties using a goal-directed, web-based course without live skills training.DesignA prospective observational study of students and residents from medicine, surgery, and anesthesiology. Analysis compared pretests and posttests assessing 3 competencies. Individual mean score improvement (MSI) was compared by paired-sample t-tests and MSI among cohorts by analysis of variance, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. McNemar test compared those who agreed or strongly agreed with survey items with those who did not before and after intervention.SettingJackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL residency training programs in Medicine, Surgery, and Anesthesiology.ResultsA total of 180 trainees participated. A significant MSI was noted in each of 3 competencies in all 3 cohorts. Students' (S) MSI was significantly higher than residents' (R) and interns' (I) in US "knobology" and window recognition [S = 2.28 ± 1.29/5 vs R = 1.63 ± 1.21/5 (p = 0.014); vs I = 1.59 ± 1.12/5 (p = 0.032)]; students' total score MSI was significantly higher than residents [7.60 ± 3.43/20 vs 5.78 ± 3.08/20 (p < 0.008)]. All cohorts reported improved comfort in using transthoracic US and improved ability to recognize indications for use. More than 81% of all participants reported improved confidence in performing transthoracic US; more than 91% reported interest in additional training; and more than 88% believed course length was appropriate.ConclusionsLearners across levels of medical training and specialties can benefit from a brief, goal-directed, web-based training with early incorporation producing maximal yield.



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