Development of a Novel e-Learning Module for Training in Hepatobiliary Endoscopic Ultrasound

Aims Hepatobiliary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) training requires gastroenterologists to acquire a radiological skillset whilst manipulating the echoendoscope to different “stations” to examine extraluminal structures. During the early stage of training it can be overwhelming for novice endosonographers to identify anatomical landmarks and understand the manoeuvres required in order to achieve them. Whilst there are online videos to assist in EUS training, these are often beyond the basic understanding required for trainees early on the learning curve. We developed and validated an online learning module for hepatobiliary ultrasound [1].

Methods The e-Learning module was created utilising the software RISE. The EUS procedure was subdivided into 3 stations (positions where the echoendoscope would need to positioned to observe the majority of the required pathology: (1) gastroesophageal junction (2) duodenal bulb and (3) the second part of the duodenum (D2) At each station, a variety of teaching materials were created: (1) Schematic animation of the endoscope position and corresponding anatomy (2) Anonymised EUS videos and corresponding still images with “interactive hot spots” (3) Video clips of required scope manoeuvres with voiceovers (4) A verbal summary for each station. A 7-item pre and post intervention test on anatomical landmarks and endoscope manoeuvres was built into the module. Novice participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire on the content of the e-Learning utilising a validated assessment tool consisting of 22 questions graded on a 1-5 Likert.

Results During the course of a 2-day online educational event, 109 users began the eLearning module and completed the pre-intervention 7-assessment test: 67 (61.5%) novices and 42 (38.5%) non-novices. The mean score for the novices was 3.82 (SD=1.76) and 5.81 (SD=1.19) for the non-novices (p<0.001). 37/109 (33.9%) completed the whole module including the 7-item post-course assessment (22 novices and 15 non-novices). There was a significant improvement in pre and post module score for novices 3.8 (SD 1.51) increasing to 6.2 (SD 1.22), p<0.01). There was no significant improvement for non-novices: 6.1 (SD=0.88) increasing to 6.5 (SD=0.92) post module. Eight novice endosonographers completed the questionnaire on the e-Learning content on the quality of the content, interface, testing and personalisation. The module scored extremely well on all domains with the mean Likert>4/5 for every question.

Conclusions We have developed a multimedia e-Learning module that demonstrates both construct and content validity for trainees in hepatobiliary EUS. It has the potential to act as an excellent primer for novice endosonographers commencing EUS training and overcome the considerable cognitive load associated with the early part of the learning cuvre.

 

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Conflicts of Interest

Authors do not have any conflict of interest to disclose.

• References

• 1 Yi-Shun Wang. Assessment of learner satisfaction with asynchronous electronic learning systems. Information & Management. 2003; 41 Issue 1 75-86

Publication History

Article published online:
27 March 2025