Obstetric Ultrasound Simulator With Task-Based Training and Assessment

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Ultrasound Technology
• Obstetric Imaging

Background:

• Point-of-care (POC) ultrasound adoption is rising, creating a demand for accessible training solutions.
• Formal obstetric ultrasound training programs are not always available to all users.
• A need exists for effective, low-cost training tools for POC ultrasound in obstetrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an affordable, compact, laptop-based obstetric ultrasound simulator.
• To provide a realistic and structured training experience for basic obstetric ultrasound skills.
• To enable performance assessment for users without access to formal sonography education.

Main Methods:

• Developed a simulator with a 5 DoF sham transducer tracking system and a virtual torso model.
• Generated 3-D ultrasound image volumes using overlapping sweeps and a Markov random field approach.
• Implemented task-based training modules covering basic ultrasound, obstetric space orientation, and fetal biometry.
• Automated performance evaluation by comparing user-identified landmarks with sonographer-defined references.

Main Results:

• The simulator offers a realistic scanning experience with real-time 2-D image rendering (≥30 frames/s) and good image quality.
• Task-based training modules guide users through standard obstetric ultrasound protocols.
• Automated performance assessment provides objective feedback on user scanning skills.

Conclusions:

• The developed obstetric ultrasound simulator is a viable tool for structured training in basic obstetric ultrasound.
• It addresses the need for accessible and affordable training for POC ultrasound users.
• The simulator can enhance skills for individuals without access to traditional sonography programs.