Impact of Undergraduate Ultrasound Education on Cross-Sectional Image Understanding and Visual-Spatial Ability – a prospective study

Problemstellung Radiological imaging is crucial in modern clinical practice and requires thorough and early training. An understanding of cross-sectional imaging is essential for effective interpretation of such imaging. This study examines the extent to which completing an undergraduate ultrasound course has positive effects on the development of visual-spatial ability, knowledge of anatomical spatial relationships, understanding of radiological cross-sectional images, and theoretical ultrasound competencies.

Patienten und Methode This prospective observational study was conducted at a medical school with 3rd year medical students as part of a voluntary extracurricular ultrasound course ([Fig. 1]). The participants completed evaluations (7-level Likert response formats and dichotomous questions "yes/no") and theoretical tests at two time points (T1=pre course; T2=post course) to measure their subjective and objective cross-sectional imaging skills competencies. A questionnaire on baseline values and previous experience identified potential influencing factors.

Figure 1  Study design including course model and evaluation time points After the study was designed (a), the participants were recruited and pooled in groups (b). Participants took part in the training program and the assessment time points (c).

Ergebnis A total of 141 participants were included in the study. Most participants had no previous general knowledge of ultrasound diagnostics (83%), had not yet performed a practical ultrasound examination (87%), and had not attended any courses on sonography (95%). Significant subjective and objective improvements in competencies were observed after the course ([Fig. 2]), particularly in the subjective sub-area of "knowledge of anatomical spatial relationships" (p=0.009). Similarly, participants showed improvements in the objective sub-areas of "theoretical ultrasound competencies" (p<0.001), "Radiological cross-section understanding and knowledge of anatomical spatial relationships in the abdomen" (p<0.001), "visual-spatial ability in radiological cross-section images" (p<0.001), and "Visual-spatial ability" (p=0.020).

Schlussfolgerung Ultrasound training courses can enhance the development of visual-spatial ability, knowledge of anatomical spatial relationships, radiological cross-sectional image understanding, and theoretical ultrasound competencies. Due to the reciprocal positive effects of the training, students should receive radiology training at an early stage of their studies to benefit as early as possible from the improved skills, particularly in the disciplines of anatomy and radiology.

Figure 2  Results of the theory tests at time points T1(Theorypre) and T2 (Theorypost)

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
04. September 2024