Sustained effect of simulation‐based ultrasound training on clinical performance: a randomized trial

• Published in: Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 312 - 318
• Main Authors: Tolsgaard, M. G., Ringsted, C., Dreisler, E., Nørgaard, L. N., Petersen, J. H., Madsen, M. E., Freiesleben, N. L. C., Sørensen, J. L., Tabor, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-09-2015; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Clinical Competence; Denmark; Female; Gynecology - education; Humans; Internship and Residency; Male; medical education; Observer Variation; Obstetrics - education; Original Papers; Pregnancy; Simulation Training; simulation‐based medical education; simulation‐based ultrasound training; Single-Blind Method; transvaginal; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; ultrasound assessment; ultrasound competence; Denmark; simulation-based medical education; ultrasound competence; medical education; simulation-based ultrasound training; ultrasound assessment; transvaginal
• ISSN: 0960-7692; 1469-0705
• DOI: 10.1002/uog.14780

Objective
To study the effect of initial simulation‐based transvaginal sonography (TVS) training compared with clinical training only, on the clinical performance of residents in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob‐Gyn), assessed 2 months into their residency.
Methods
In a randomized study, new Ob‐Gyn residents (n = 33) with no prior ultrasound experience were recruited from three teaching hospitals. Participants were allocated to either simulation‐based training followed by clinical training (intervention group; n = 18) or clinical training only (control group; n = 15). The simulation‐based training was performed using a virtual‐reality TVS simulator until an expert performance level was attained, and was followed by training on a pelvic mannequin. After 2 months of clinical training, one TVS examination was recorded for assessment of each resident's clinical performance (n = 26). Two ultrasound experts blinded to group allocation rated the scans using the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) scale.
Results
During the 2 months of clinical training, participants in the intervention and control groups completed an average ± SD of 58 ± 41 and 63 ± 47 scans, respectively (P = 0.67). In the subsequent clinical performance test, the intervention group achieved higher OSAUS scores than did the control group (mean score, 59.1% vs 37.6%, respectively; P < 0.001). A greater proportion of the intervention group passed a pre‐established pass/fail level than did controls (85.7% vs 8.3%, respectively; P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Simulation‐based ultrasound training leads to substantial improvement in clinical performance that is sustained after 2 months of clinical training. © 2015 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 46: 264–265