Abdominal ultrasound examination training using an ultrasound phantom and volume navigation system

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of using an ultrasound phantom (ECHOZY) and a volume navigation system (Vnavi) in abdominal ultrasonography training for young residents.

Nine third-year residents underwent abdominal ultrasonography training: controls, comprising five residents; and the ECHOZY + Vnavi group, comprising four residents. Residents were trained in abdominal ultrasound examinations using both educational videos and hands-on clinical training. The ECHOZY + Vnavi group also received training using an ultrasound phantom and volume navigation system. The time needed for abdominal ultrasound examination was calculated at 4 months (early), 8 months (middle), and 12 months (late) after starting training. The ability of each resident to visualize 20 abdominal structures on normal patients was also evaluated retrospectively.

In the early period, the ECHOZY + Vnavi group needed significantly longer to complete examinations than controls (545 ± 125 s versus 392 ± 81 s, p < 0.01), but showed significantly better ability scores (17.5 ± 0.6 versus 13.4 ± 1.1, p < 0.05). Both these differences disappeared by the middle period (338 ± 107 s versus 259 ± 130 s and 17.8 ± 0.5 versus 16.0 ± 0.7).

In spite of longer examination times, training residents in abdominal ultrasonography using an ultrasound phantom and volume navigation system may be useful in the early period.