Utility and challenges of ultrasound education for medical and allied health students in Asia

• Published in: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi Vol. 30; no. 1; p. 75
• Main Authors: Kwok Yin Leung, Kanu Bala, Cho, Jeonh Yeon, Gokhale, Sudheer, FICR, Kikuchi, Akihiko, Liang, Ping, Chiou Li Ong, Quan Bao Nguyen-Phuoc, Wataganara, Tuangsit, Yung Liang Wan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: Hong Kong Hong Kong Academy of Medicine 01-02-2024
• Subjects: Collaboration; Colleges & universities; Curricula; Learning; Medical education; Medical schools; Medical students; Medicine; Online instruction; Point of care testing; Teaching methods; Ultrasonic imaging; South Korea; Singapore; Asia; China; Japan; Taiwan; Hong Kong China; India
• DOI: 10.12809/hkmj2210647
• EISSN: 2226-8707
• ISSN: 1024-2708

Introduction Nearly all medical specialties use ultrasound for diagnosis and intervention.1 2 Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) enables clinicians to perform ultrasonographic examinations at the bedside to assess urgent cases.3 The advantages of ultrasound examination include portability, lower cost, and the ability to perform multiplanar and repeated scanning without ionising radiation. Because ultrasound is the most operator-dependent imaging modality, formal education that covers appropriate and optimal use, specific imaging techniques, and its limitations is required.4 Ultrasound education is usually targeted towards postgraduate radiologists, with some piecemeal training in other specialties. Utility and challenges of undergraduate ultrasound education in Asia Between April and June in 2022, a pilot survey consisting of four open questions about UUE was sent by the AFSUMB to the presidents or representatives of 16 affiliated societies.9 The main outcome measure was the response to the question ‘In addition to students of medical schools or clinical departments, is there ultrasound education provided to other students in medical college?' Qualitative analysis was performed on the data collected. [...]if the main aim of UUE is to improve anatomical knowledge and physical examination skills, it is questionable whether the time and money required to implement it would be justified.6 Unlike the usual issues that hamper the introduction of UUE, the major issue identified in India was the Preconception and Prenatal Diagnostics Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Determination) Act 2003, which bans the use of ultrasound machines by medical students, technicians, and nurses. Since responses were not directly collected from medical schools and/or colleges, it is possible that the information might not have been up to date.