Role of Ultrasound Simulation in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Survey from a Regional Conference
Sushila Arya (US), Sanja Kupesic Plavsic (US)
[Arya] Texas Tech University of Health Sciences University , [Kupesic Plavsic ] Texas Tech University of Health Sciences Center at El Paso
Context: Transvaginal ultrasound (US) is a critical diagnostic imaging tool in OB GYN. Training opportunities in pelvic US are not keeping up due to increased complexity of modern US technology and duty hour restrictions. US simulation training has a potential to overcome this gap. Objective: Our study aims to determine the usefulness, applicability and attitudes toward pelvic US simulation training. Methods: All participants of the pelvic US workshop attending the regional clinical simulation conference were asked to complete pre- and post-simulation knowledge assessment, and an anonymous post-simulation survey. Interventions: The US simulation activity covered modules on abnormal uterine bleeding, adnexal masses and bleeding in pregnancy using high fidelity and virtual reality US simulators (UltraSim, VIMEDIX and 3D Systems Simbionix). Main Outcomes: 31 participants attended the workshop, and 28 of them responded to the survey. 21 respondents were MDs (17 physicians in training: 12 OB GYN, 3 radiology, 2 family medicine residents, and 4 were practicing physicians), 6 sonographers and 1 registered nurse. Results: All respondents agreed that pelvic ultrasound simulation applies to their clinical/US practice, and believe that their performing and interpreting US skills will be improved after this simulation training. Also, all respondents feel that their participation in pelvic US workshop will help them provide improved patient care, and would like to engage in similar simulation activities in the future. The average post activity knowledge score for all three topics (30 multiple choice items) significantly increased (p value from a paired t-test p<0.0001). Conclusions: All 28 respondents believe that US simulation is a useful complement to learning on real patients with potential to improve their US performance, interpreting skills and clinical reasoning.