[Ultrasound education by simulator training--analysis of the largest simulator-based training in Germany]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Simulation Technology

Background:

• Current ultrasound (US) teaching lacks standardization, often relying on 2D B-mode images.
• Acquiring 3D anatomical understanding requires practical, hands-on experience.
• Existing US training methods are inconsistent, with many participants lacking formal training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the value and acceptance of simulator-based ultrasound training.
• To assess the need for standardized ultrasound teaching programs in Germany.
• To explore the integration of ultrasound simulators into medical curricula.

Main Methods:

• A 15-day hands-on workshop on ultrasound simulators was conducted for 209 participants.
• Participants were from diverse specialties and experience levels across Germany.
• An evaluation of the training's value and acceptance was performed, with 149 forms analyzed.

Main Results:

• Despite participant heterogeneity, simulator-based training showed high acceptance.
• 95% rated the teaching value as 'high'.
• 95% desired the integration of US simulators into training curricula.

Conclusions:

• Simulator-based ultrasound training provides a standardized, real-time, hands-on method for pathology detection.
• There is a clear need for standardized ultrasound training programs in Germany.
• Ultrasound simulators are highly accepted and should be integrated into medical training.