Key result
A formal ultrasound training module significantly improved written and practical skills scores in 10 junior surgery residents, with significantly better improvement than in 8 senior residents.
Why the study?
Does a formal ultrasound training module improve ultrasound performance in general surgery residents?
Does a formal ultrasound training module improve ultrasound performance in general surgery residents?
Early formal ultrasound training significantly improves ultrasound performance and skill acquisition in junior general surgery residents.
May support early training for juniors; extends small-cohort observations but leaves open generalizability and clinical outcomes.
Ultrasound (US) is fast becoming an extension of the physical examination in most surgical settings. Unfortunately, few residency programs offer a formal US training curriculum to their general surgical residents. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a formal US training module for general surgery residents. We studied the degree of improvement observed between junior and senior residents. A training-based study was conducted to evaluate baseline knowledge and skills. Subsequently, a formal didactic and practical training program for our surgery residents was instituted. Residents were then scored in various categories. A total of 18 surgical residents comprising 10 junior and 8 senior residents completed our US training module. There was no significant improvement in the scores of the senior resident group. In the junior group, the written test, image detection, optimization, and interpretation categories improved significantly after completion of the training module. Comparison of improvement in scores between junior and senior residents revealed a significantly better improvement in the junior group than in the senior group. Early training of surgical residents can significantly improve US performance in junior residents. This early training has the benefit of increased utilization of bedside US for diagnostic and procedural purposes. Interestingly, even without formal training, skill acquisition of senior residents is noted to occur during modern surgical training.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hosseini et al. (2018) studied General surgery residency (n=18). Formal ultrasound training module vs. Baseline scores and senior residents was evaluated on Improvement in ultrasound knowledge and skills scores. A formal ultrasound training module significantly improved written and practical skills scores in 10 junior surgery residents, with significantly better improvement than in 8 senior residents.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: