Which factors are associated with trainees' confidence in performing obstetric and gynecological ultrasound examinations?

• Published in: Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology Vol. 43; no. 4; pp. 444 - 451
• Main Authors: Tolsgaard, M. G., Rasmussen, M. B., Tappert, C., Sundler, M., Sorensen, J. L., Ottesen, B., Ringsted, C., Tabor, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-04-2014; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Clinical Competence - standards; Cross-Sectional Studies; Denmark; Education, Medical, Continuing; Education, Medical, Graduate; Female; Gynecology - education; Gynecology - standards; Humans; learning curves; Male; medical education; Middle Aged; Norway; Obstetrics - education; Obstetrics - standards; Pregnancy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden; Ultrasonics - education; Ultrasonics - standards; ultrasound assessment; ultrasound competence; ultrasound training; Denmark; Norway; Sweden; ultrasound training; learning curves; ultrasound competence; medical education; ultrasound assessment
• ISSN: 0960-7692; 1469-0705
• DOI: 10.1002/uog.13211

ABSTRACT
Objective
To explore the association between clinical training characteristics and trainees' level of confidence in performing ultrasound scans independently.
Methods
A cross‐sectional e‐survey was distributed to members of the national societies of junior obstetricians/gynecologists in Denmark, Sweden and Norway (n = 973). Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the effect that amount of time spent in specialized ultrasound units and clinical experience had on trainees' confidence in performing ultrasonography independently. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify factors that contributed to trainees' confidence in performing ultrasonography. Trainees' ultrasound confidence was finally compared with their expected levels of performance.
Results
Of the 682 respondents (response rate 70.1%), 621 met the inclusion criteria. Clinical experience and time spent in specialized ultrasound units were predictors of trainees' confidence in performing ultrasonography independently (P < 0.001). Trainees required more than 24 months of clinical experience and 12–24 days of training in specialized ultrasound units in order to feel confident about performing transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scans independently. Three factors were related to ultrasound confidence: technical aspects, image perception and integration of scan into patient care. There were significant differences between trainees' level of confidence and their expected levels of performance (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Clinical experience and time spent in specialized ultrasound units were predictors of trainees' confidence in performing ultrasonography independently. Discrepancies between trainees' confidence and their expected levels of performance raised concerns about the adequacy of current ultrasound training programs. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43: 363–364