Using Simulation-Based Training to Incorporate Thoracic Ultrasound into Physical Examination

Thoracic ultrasound examination has become increasingly used as a valuable diagnostic tool for the bedside assessment of patients with respiratory distress. We implemented a thoracic ultrasonography curriculum for third year medical students with the goal of developing a model for teaching thoracic ultrasound skills to undergraduate medical students.

Seventy medical students completed a program comprised of a didactic and hands-on session in fundamental and thoracic ultrasonography. Knowledge assessment and students' questionnaire (on Likert scale 1-5) prior to and following the program were done to assess ultrasonography knowledge and perception of training effectiveness. An image acquisition skills assessment checklist was performed by the instructors after completing the program on all of the participants.

The pre-intervention knowledge score was 52.05 percent. Post-intervention demonstrated significant improvement: 87.31 percent, p less than 0.001. There was a significant increase in comfort level, basic ultrasound knowledge, self-assurance, and motivation by students' self-assessments. The clinical relevance and course evaluation were rated high on Likert scale 4.41/5 and 4.47/5 respectively. Skills assessment checklist demonstrated students' ability to understand anatomic structures shown in ultrasonographic images and fundamental ultrasound skills.

The knowledge of 70 medical students regarding thoracic ultrasound improved significantly after a short dedicated course. The evaluation of the program affirmed the value and clinical relevance of the curriculum to undergraduate medical education.