Rationale and Objectives
Radiologists are responsible for interpreting ultrasound (US) images accurately, troubleshooting,
aiding sonographers, and advancing technology and research. Despite this, most radiology
residents do not feel confident performing US independently. The purpose of this study
is to evaluate the impact of an abdominal US scanning rotation and digital curriculum
on radiology residents’ confidence and skills in performing US.
Materials and Methods
All residents who were rotating in pediatric US at our institution for the first time
were included (PGY 3–5). Those who agreed to participate were recruited sequentially
from July 2018 to 2021 into (A) control and (B) intervention. B had a 1-week US scanning rotation and US digital course. Both groups completed a
pre-and post-confidence self-assessment. Pre-and post-skills were objectively assessed
by an expert technologist while participants scanned a volunteer. At completion, B completed an evaluation of the tutorial. Descriptive statistics summarized the demographics
and closed questions. Pre-and post-test results were compared using paired-T tests,
and effect size (ES) with Cohen's d. Open-ended questions were thematically analyzed.
Results
PGY-3 and 4 residents participated, and were enrolled in A (N = 39) and B (N = 30). Scanning confidence significantly improved in both groups, with a greater
ES in B (p < 0.01). Scanning skills significantly improved in B (p < 0.01) but not A. Eighty per cent of questionnaire responders used the integrative US tutorial and
found it helpful. Free text responses were grouped into themes: 1) Technical issues,
2) Didn't complete course, 3) Didn't understand project, 4) Course was detailed and
thorough.
Conclusions
Our scanning curriculum improved residents’ confidence and skills in pediatric US
and may encourage consistency in training, thus promoting stewardship of high-quality
US.
Key Words
Abbreviations:
US (Ultrasound), POCUS (Point of care ultrasound), ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education), PGY (Postgraduate year), TRV (Transverse), SAG (Sagittal)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 12, 2023
Accepted:
January 20,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 18,
2023
Received:
August 13,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
The author(s) declare(s) that they had full access to all the data in this study and the author(s) take(s) complete responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.
Source(s) of support: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
