Adding new tools to the black bag--introduction of ultrasound into the physical diagnosis course

Ultrasound, a versatile diagnostic modality that permits real-time visualization at the patient's bedside, can be used as an adjunct in teaching physical diagnosis (PD).

(1) to study the feasibility of incorporating ultrasound into PD courses and (2) determine whether learners can demonstrate image recognition and acquisition skills.

Three hundred seven second-year medical students were introduced to cardiovascular and abdominal ultrasound scanning after training in the physical examination. This consisted of a demonstration of the ultrasound examination, followed by practice on standardized patients (SPs). Pre-post tests were administered to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of ultrasound. Students performed an ultrasound examination during the PD final examination.

Pre-post test data revealed significant improvements in image recognition. On the final exam, the highest scores (98.4%) were obtained for the internal jugular vein and lowest scores (74.6%) on the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma images. Eighty-nine percent of students' surveyed felt ultrasound was a valuable tool for physicians.

An introductory ultrasound course is effective in improving medical students' acquisition and recognition of basic cardiovascular and abdominal ultrasound images. This innovative program demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating portable ultrasound as a learning tool during medical school.