SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Ultrasound Education via the Use of Simulators Can Improve Confidence and Perceived Knowledge Amongst Medical Students

Pdf Summary

This study examined whether high-fidelity ultrasound simulation during medical school could improve third-year students’ confidence and knowledge of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). POCUS is a bedside diagnostic tool widely used in residency training, but it is often not taught through a longitudinal ultrasound curriculum in medical school because of limited funding, equipment, time, and trained faculty.<br /><br />The researchers conducted a prospective cohort study of third-year medical students during their six-week Internal Medicine clerkship from November 2020 to May 2021. Students were divided into a control group, which received standard faculty/resident teaching, and an experimental group, which received the same baseline education plus 1–2 hours per week of simulator-based ultrasound training. Students completed pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring both knowledge and self-reported confidence.<br /><br />Results showed that the simulation group had statistically significant increases in confidence in ultrasound knowledge, performing procedures, and performing procedures with ultrasound guidance. However, there was no meaningful improvement in the individual knowledge-based test questions, and the gains in confidence and knowledge were small overall. Although the findings were statistically significant, the authors noted limited educational significance because the improvement was minimal.<br /><br />The study concluded that ultrasound education through high-fidelity simulation can improve medical students’ confidence and may modestly improve knowledge, but the impact appears limited. Based on these findings, the program later shifted toward resident-led ultrasound workshops and faculty lectures with a final skills check-off in subsequent academic years.

Asset Subtitle

Romik P. Srivastava

Meta Tag

Author List Ashley Reluzco, Marc Heincelman, Meghan K. Thomas, Romik P. Srivastava, Terrill Huggins, William McManigle

Category Research

Concept Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Concept Undergraduate Medical Education

Concept Ultrasound training

Concept High-Fidelity Simulation

Concept Medical Student Confidence

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Medical University of South Carolina

Presenting Author Romik P. Srivastava

Track Education

Keywords

ultrasound simulation

medical school

point-of-care ultrasound

POCUS

third-year medical students

confidence

knowledge assessment

internal medicine clerkship

high-fidelity simulation

ultrasound education

Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Undergraduate Medical Education

Ultrasound training

High-Fidelity Simulation

Medical Student Confidence