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Höhne E, Schäfer VS, Neubauer R, Gotta J, Reschke P, Wittek A, Recker F. A four year follow-up survey on the teledidactic TELUS ultrasound course: long-term benefits and implications. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:1022. [PMID: 39294583 PMCID: PMC11409468 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional medical education, prompting innovative teaching methods for practical skills training. The teledidactic TELUS ultrasound course, launched in 2020-2021, aimed to provide remote instruction in ultrasound techniques. OBJECTIVE This study assesses the long-term impact of the teledidactic ultrasound course conducted during the study years on current clinical practice. METHODS In 2024, a follow-up survey was conducted with former TELUS course students now practicing as physicians across various specialities. Participants rated their confidence in ultrasound examinations and its frequency in practice. RESULTS 21 out of 30 participants (70%) completed the survey. 71.4% rated the course experience as excellent (5/5 points). Most reported significant learning gains, especially in the FAST module. While all agreed the course enhanced their ultrasound skills, its impact on patient care received mixed reviews. Frequency of ultrasound use varied widely among specialities, with high use in surgery and internal medicine but less in psychiatry, neurology, and ophthalmology. Notably, 42,9% had not pursued further ultrasound training post-course. CONCLUSION The teledidactic ultrasound course effectively provided remote education, integrating skills into practice. Mixed reviews on patient care impact and speciality-specific ultrasound use suggest sustained integration depends on relevance and ongoing education. Self-assessment results support online ultrasound courses, indicating potential use in resource-limited or geographically constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Höhne
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Valentin S Schäfer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ricarda Neubauer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gotta
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Philipp Reschke
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Agnes Wittek
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, Bonn, 53127, Germany.
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Thomson A, Larson G, Moeller J, Soucy Z, Zapata I, Mason NL. Comparison of In-person VS remote learning modalities for ultrasound-guided knee arthrocentesis training using formalin-embalmed cadavers. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:974. [PMID: 39244572 PMCID: PMC11380409 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to compare the efficacy of remote versus in-person training strategies to teach ultrasound guided knee arthrocentesis using formalin embalmed cadavers. METHODS 30 first-year medical student participants were randomly assigned to remote or in-person training groups. Pre- and post- training surveys were used to evaluate participant's self-confidence in their ability to perform the procedure. Participants were asked to watch a 30-minute training video and then attend a skills training workshop. The workshops consisted of 20 min of hands-on instruction followed by a skills assessment. RESULTS Following training, participant self-confidence increased significantly across all survey items in both groups (p = 0.0001). No significant changes in participant self-confidence were detected between the groups. Skills and knowledge-related metrics did not differ significantly between the groups with the exception of the "knowledge of instruments" variable. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggests that remote ultrasound-guided procedure training, although logistically complex, is a viable alternative to traditional in-person learning techniques even for a notoriously hands on skill like ultrasound guided knee arthrocentesis. Novice first-year medical student operators in the remote-training group were able to significantly increase their confidence and demonstrate competency in a manner statistically indistinguishable from those trained in-person. These results support the pedagogical validity of using remote training to teach ultrasound guided procedures which could have implications in rural and global health initiatives where educational resources are more limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Thomson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
| | - Grant Larson
- Department of Medical Education, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 03755, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - John Moeller
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Zachary Soucy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Isain Zapata
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Parker CO, 8401 South Chambers Road, 80134, Parker, CO, USA
| | - Nena Lundgreen Mason
- Department of Medical Education, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, 03755, Hanover, NH, USA
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Höhne E, Recker F, Brossart P, Schäfer VS. Teledidactic Versus Hands-on Teaching of Abdominal, Thoracic, and Thyroid Ultrasound-The TELUS II Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1803-1810. [PMID: 38609706 PMCID: PMC11282015 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08760-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has initiated a change in medical education and the development of new teaching concepts has become inevitable to maintain adequate training. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aims to compare teledidactic teaching with traditional face-to-face teaching for abdominal, thoracic, and thyroid ultrasound. DESIGN Concurrently, a teledidactic and a face-to-face ultrasound course were held. The students completed seven 90-min modules using mobile ultrasound probes (Butterfly IQ). Each module consisted of a lecture, a demonstration of probe guidance, and independent training. PARTICIPANTS A total of thirty medical students took part in the study and were randomly assigned to a teledidactic and a face-to-face group. MAIN MEASURES An objective structured assessment of ultrasound skills (OSAUS) was performed as a pre-test and as the final exam and ultrasound images obtained during the exam were evaluated using the brightness mode quality ultrasound imaging examination (B-QUIET) scale. KEY RESULTS No significant difference between the two cohorts on the OSAUS final exam was shown (p > 0.05 in all modules). There was a significant difference in the assessment of the images in the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) (p 0.015) and aorta (p 0.017) modules. Students in the teledidactic group performed better in both modules, scoring 33.59 (± 2.61) out of 44 in the module FAST (face-to-face group 30.95 (± 1.76)) and aortic images averaged 35.41 (± 2.61) points (face-to-face group 32.35 (± 3.08)). CONCLUSIONS A teledidactic course for abdominal and thoracic ultrasound examinations is equally effective to traditional face-to-face teaching in this pilot study. Digital implementation with a portable ultrasound machine could be a great opportunity to promote ultrasound education worldwide and over great distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Höhne
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - F Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - P Brossart
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - V S Schäfer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Clinic of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Grobelski J, Wilsmann-Theis D, Karakostas P, Behning C, Brossart P, Schäfer VS. Prospective double-blind study on the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound by dermatologists as a screening instrument for psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2724-2731. [PMID: 36548379 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) use by dermatologists previously trained on a novel handheld, chip-based ultrasound device (HHUD) to screen for early PsA. METHODS Twelve dermatologists were recruited to screen psoriasis patients for PsA using the novel HHUD in one major hospital in Bonn (Germany) and six private practices in surrounding regions. Patient screening was based on medical history, clinical examination, and the GEPARD questionnaire paired with an MSUS examination of up to three painful joints. All screened patients were then referred to rheumatologists, who determined the final diagnosis. The screening effect of MSUS was assessed according to its sensitivity and specificity before and after its application. RESULTS Between 1 October 2020 and 26 May 2021, a total of 140 psoriasis patients with arthralgia participated in this study. PsA was diagnosed in 19 (13.6%) cases. Before applying MSUS, dermatologists' screening sensitivity and specificity were recorded as 88.2% and 54.4%, respectively, while after applying MSUS the sensitivity and specificity changed to 70.6% and 90.4%, respectively. MSUS led to a change of PsA suspicion in 46 cases, with PsA no longer being suspected in 45 of them. CONCLUSION This study was able to demonstrate that PsA screening using MSUS by previously trained dermatologists can lead to more precise PsA detection and potentially decreased rheumatologist referral rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Grobelski
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Pantelis Karakostas
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Charlotte Behning
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin S Schäfer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Weimer J, Rolef P, Müller L, Bellhäuser H, Göbel S, Buggenhagen H, Weimer A, Waezsada E, Kirchhoff F, Weinmann-Menke J. FoCUS cardiac ultrasound training for undergraduates based on current national guidelines: a prospective, controlled, single-center study on transferability. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:80. [PMID: 36726093 PMCID: PMC9893662 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04062-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In emergency and critical-care medicine, focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is indispensable for assessing a patient's cardiac status. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a peer-to-peer-supported ultrasound course for learning FoCUS-specific skills during undergraduate studies at a German university. METHODS A 1-day, 12 teaching units training course was developed for students in the clinical section of medical college, with content based on the current national guidelines. A total of 217 students participated in the study (97 in the course group and 120 in the control group). The course and the participants' subjective assessment of improved skills were evaluated using a questionnaire (7-point Likert scale; 7 = complete agreement and 1 = no agreement at all). Objective learning gains were assessed by tests before and after the course. These consisted of a test of figural intelligence (eight items) and a test of technical knowledge (13 items). RESULTS The course participants experienced significant improvement (P < 0.001) from before to after the course, with a large effect size of η2part = 0.26. In addition, the course group had significantly better results (P < 0.001) than the control group in the post-test, with a medium to large effect size of η2part = 0.14. No significant differences (P = 0.27) were detected in the test section on figural intelligence. The evaluations showed that the participants had a high degree of satisfaction with the course approach, teaching materials, and tutors. There was also a positive increase in their subjective assessment of their own skills, including areas such as technical knowledge, ultrasound anatomy, and performance of the examination. CONCLUSION The results of both the objective learning assessment and the subjective evaluations suggest that a FoCUS course originally intended for qualified physicians is equally suitable for students. With the development and provision of modern digital teaching media, even more students will be able to benefit from this approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Weimer
- Rudolf-Frey Lernklinik, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Peter Rolef
- Rudolf-Frey Lernklinik, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lukas Müller
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Henrik Bellhäuser
- Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Göbel
- Department of Medicine II, Cardiology Center, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Buggenhagen
- Rudolf-Frey Lernklinik, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Weimer
- Center for Orthopedics, Emergency Surgery, and Paraplegics, Department of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elias Waezsada
- Department of Cardiology, Kerckhoff Hospital, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Friederike Kirchhoff
- Rudolf-Frey Lernklinik, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Department of Medicine I, Nephrology Center, Department of Medicine, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Lo CK, Hew KF. Design principles for fully online flipped learning in health professions education: a systematic review of research during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:720. [PMID: 36229820 PMCID: PMC9559249 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, some instructors transitioned their courses into a fully online environment by adopting flipped learning. In this context, this review examined the challenges to fully online flipped learning and identified useful course-design elements for practicing this instructional approach in health professions education. METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement for selecting relevant articles. Thirty-three empirical studies (with 32 unique interventions) published between 2020 and 2021 (i.e., the first 2 years of the pandemic) were selected for analysis. RESULTS When the instructors in the reviewed studies designed and implemented their online flipped courses, numerous challenges emerged, which could be broadly categorized into student-related challenges (e.g., unfamiliarity with online flipped learning; N = 5), faculty challenges (e.g., increased workload; N = 8), and operational challenges (e.g., students' technical problems; N = 9). Nevertheless, we identified various useful elements for online flipped learning practice and organized them based on the following components of the Revised Community of Inquiry (RCoI) framework: cognitive presence (e.g., application of knowledge/skills; N = 12), social presence (e.g., peer interaction; N = 11), teaching presence (e.g., instructors' real-time demonstration/facilitation; N = 17), and learner presence (e.g., care and emotional support; N = 4). CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings from the review and the RCoI framework, we developed nine principles for the effective practice of online flipped learning. These principles appear crucial for sustaining quality health professions education in a fully online flipped learning environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Kwan Lo
- Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Khe Foon Hew
- Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Kameda T, Koibuchi H, Konno K, Taniguchi N. Self-learning followed by telepresence instruction of focused cardiac ultrasound with a handheld device for medical students: a preliminary study. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2022; 49:415-423. [PMID: 35739371 PMCID: PMC9223254 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-022-01233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficiency of self-learning with or without self-training (subjects performed scans on themselves) and telepresence instruction in focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) education for medical students. Methods This study included 24 medical students. The participants initially completed a written pre-test and were randomized into a video lecture (participants watched a video lecture) or self-training (participants watched a video lecture and self-performed FOCUS) group. After finishing self-learning, they completed a written post-test. Then they undertook a skill pre-test and a first perception survey. Telepresence instruction was then provided. Finally, they undertook a skill post-test and a second perception survey. Results The written post-test total scores were significantly higher than the pre-test total scores (P < 0.001). In the skill pre-test, the scores for the video lecture and self-training groups were not significantly different (P = 0.542). The skill post-test total scores were significantly higher than the skill pre-test total scores (P = 0.008). Forty-two percent of the video lecture group participants agreed that the video lecture was effective preparation for the skill pre-test, while all participants in the same group agreed that the combination of the video lecture and telepresence instruction was effective preparation for the skill post-test. Conclusion This study demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of self-learning followed by telepresence instruction on FOCUS for medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Kameda
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Harumi Koibuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kei Konno
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Taniguchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
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DePhilip RM, Quinn MM. Adaptation of an anatomy graduate course in ultrasound imaging from in-person to live, remote instruction during the Covid-19 pandemic. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 15:493-507. [PMID: 35271761 PMCID: PMC9082486 DOI: 10.1002/ase.2177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Health concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic required the adaptation of a lecture-laboratory course in ultrasound imaging for graduate students from an in-person to a live, remote learning format. The adaptation of in-person lectures to live, remote delivery was achieved by using videoconferencing. The adaptation of in-person laboratory sessions to live, remote instruction was achieved in the first half of the course by providing a hand-held ultrasound instrument to each student who performed self-scanning at their remote locations, while the instructor provided live instruction using videoconferencing. In the second half of the course, the students transitioned to using cart-based, hospital-type instruments and self-scanning in the ultrasound laboratory on campus. The aim of this study was to measure the success of this adaptation to the course by comparing assessment scores of students in the live, remote course with assessment scores of students in the in-person course offered in the previous year. There were no statistically significant differences in the assessment scores of students in the two courses. The adaptation of a course in ultrasound imaging from an in-person to a live, remote learning format during the Covid-19 pandemic described here suggests that contrary to the prevailing view, ultrasound imaging can be taught to students without in-person instruction. The adapted course can serve as a model for teaching ultrasound where instructors and learners are physically separated by constraints other than health concerns during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M. DePhilip
- Division of AnatomyDepartment of Biomedical Education and AnatomyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Melissa M. Quinn
- Division of AnatomyDepartment of Biomedical Education and AnatomyThe Ohio State University College of MedicineColumbusOhioUSA
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Abstract
The delivery of healthcare from a distance, also known as telemedicine, has evolved over the past 50 years, changing the way healthcare is delivered globally. Its integration into numerous domains has permitted high-quality care that transcends the obstacles of geographic distance, lack of access to health care providers, and cost. Ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool and its application within telemedicine has advanced substantially in recent years, particularly in high-income settings and low-resource areas. The literature in Pubmed from 1960–2020 was assessed with the keywords “ultrasound”, “telemedicine”, “ultrasound remote”, and “tele-ultrasound” to conduct a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). In addressing strengths and opportunities, we emphasized practical aspects, such as the usefulness of tele-ultrasound and the cost efficiency of it. Furthermore, aspects of medical education in tele-ultrasound were considered. When it came to weaknesses and threats, we focused on issues that may not be solved immediately, and that require careful consideration or further development, such as new software that is not yet available commercially.
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Recker F, Barth G, Lo H, Haverkamp N, Nürnberg D, Kravchenko D, Raupach T, Schäfer VS. Students' Perspectives on Curricular Ultrasound Education at German Medical Schools. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:758255. [PMID: 34901071 PMCID: PMC8655332 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.758255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite ultrasound being an inherent part of medical education, only a few German medical schools have established a comprehensive ultrasound curriculum. This study aimed to explore medical students' perspectives on ultrasound in medical education (USMed). Results: Between January 1st, 2019 und June 30th, 2019, an online survey was conducted among German medical students via the students' associations and their respective teaching facilities. The survey consisted of 17 items regarding USMed. Statements were rated on a 4-point Likert scale for agreement. In total, 1040 students from 31 German medical faculties participated. The majority (1021, 98.2%) reported a very high to high interest in curricular USMed. Students agreed (n = 945, 90.9%) that USMed would be helpful along their entire course of medical studies. Considering the best starting time for USMed, the opinions of German medical students diverged: students studying in a model curriculum preferred to start in the second year (40.7%) while 49% of the students studying in a traditional curriculum preferred to start in the third year (p ≤ 0.001). An insufficient allotment of time for USMed in the planned curriculum (675, 65%) and a lack of courses run by medical faculty (305, 29.4%) were listed as perceived significant barriers to the participation in USMed. Peer teaching was regarded as an effective method in realizing USMed by 731 (70.3%) students. Conclusion: German medical students are very interested and willing to participate in USMed. There appears to be a high demand for US courses offered by medical schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gregor Barth
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS), Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Hendra Lo
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS), Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Neuruppin, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Nürnberg
- Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound (BICUS), Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Dmitrij Kravchenko
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Raupach
- Institute for Medical Education, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Sebastian Schäfer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Bacon DR, Cowles K, Thapa D, White A, Allen AJ, Doughton J, Beck Dallaghan G, Jordan SG. Creating an Ultrasound Scholarly Concentration Program for Medical Students. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:1103-1110. [PMID: 34594147 PMCID: PMC8478088 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s330771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly prevalent and standardized in undergraduate medical education (UME); however, roughly 25% of United States medical schools lack an ultrasound curriculum. One of the commonly cited barriers to ultrasound training in UME is faculty time resources. Here, we describe an ultrasound scholarly concentration program (SCP) designed to provide medical students with ultrasound opportunities in clinical and scholarly domains, while reducing the need for extensive faculty resources. METHODS SCPs at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have 3 requirements: an elective course, a longitudinal portfolio, and a final scholarly project. Thus, the ultrasound SCP was designed to comprise an introductory clinical elective to ultrasound, development of a longitudinal scan portfolio, and a final scholarly project in ultrasound related research or educational innovation. A review of the literature and search of the top 50 US medical schools by US News & World Report was performed to assess the novelty of the ultrasound SCP. RESULTS To the best of our knowledge, the ultrasound SCP is the first scholarly concentration, track or pathway offered to medical students in the United States. It is the first description of a student designed and student led curriculum focused on providing meaningful ultrasound opportunities to students without necessitating unavailable faculty resources and educational infrastructure. CONCLUSION A novel ultrasound SCP is described which has clinical aims to expose students to clinical ultrasound as well as scholarly aims to facilitate ultrasound related research and educational innovation. It is designed to enable students to make ultrasound a defining characteristic of their medical school experience. The SCP relies on motivated student involvement and near-peer teaching in a way that is self-sustaining and self-improving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Bacon
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Keri Cowles
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Diwash Thapa
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander White
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Austin J Allen
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John Doughton
- Department of Family Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gary Beck Dallaghan
- Office of Medical Education, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sheryl G Jordan
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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