A framework for guiding learning in ultrasound scanning

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Ultrasound scanning requires proficient health professionals.
• Limited research exists on ultrasound skill acquisition and learning facilitators/barriers.
• A structured approach to learning ultrasound scanning is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a framework for guiding learning in ultrasound scanning.
• To identify key themes and characteristics of skill acquisition in ultrasound scanning.
• To provide insights into the stages of learning to scan.

Main Methods:

• Overt participant observation and semi-structured interviews with four postgraduate ultrasound learners.
• Narrative analysis of interview data to identify dominant themes.
• Development of a four-staged learning process based on identified themes.

Main Results:

• Identified dominant themes in learning to scan: patient communication, navigation, image interpretation, expert observation, feedback, and practice.
• Detailed interpretation of themes revealed learning characteristics for each stage.
• A four-staged approach to skill acquisition in ultrasound scanning was elucidated.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a framework for guiding ultrasound scanning learning.
• Key features of scan performance and skill acquisition are presented.
• The framework offers insights into a staged approach to learning ultrasound scanning.