Training and assessment of musculoskeletal ultrasound and injection skills—a systematic review

OBJECTIVES: To examine how residents are trained and assessed in musculoskeletal US (MSUS), MSUS-guided and landmark-guided joint aspiration and injection. Additionally, to present the available assessment tools and examine their supporting validity evidence. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and studies published from 1 January 2000 to 31 May 2021 were included. Two independent reviewers performed the search and data extraction. The studies were evaluated using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI). RESULTS: A total of 9884 articles were screened, and 43 were included; 3 were randomized studies, 21 pre- and post-test studies, 16 descriptive studies and 3 studies developing assessment tools. The studies used various theoretical training modalities, e.g. lectures, anatomical quizzes and e-learning. The practical training models varied from mannequins and cadavers to healthy volunteers and patients. The majority of studies used subjective 'comfort level' as assessment, others used practical examination and/or theoretical examination. All training programs increased trainees' self-confidence, theoretical knowledge, and/or practical performance, however few used validated assessment tools to measure the effect. Only one study met the MERSQI high methodical quality cut-off score of 14. CONCLUSION: The included studies were heterogeneous, and most were of poor methodological quality and not based on contemporary educational theories. This review highlights the need for educational studies using validated theoretical and practical assessment tools to ensure optimal MSUS training and assessment in rheumatology.