Impact of Simulation-Based Training on Radiology Trainee Education in Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsies

The aim of this study is to determine the impact of a simulation-based ultrasound-guided (USG) breast biopsy training session on radiology trainee procedural knowledge, comfort levels, and overall procedural confidence and anxiety.

Twenty-one diagnostic radiology residents from a single academic institution were recruited to participate in an USG breast biopsy training session. The residents filled out a questionnaire before and after the training session. Ten multiple-choice questions tested general knowledge in diagnostic breast ultrasound and USG breast biopsy concepts. Subjective comfort levels with ultrasound machine and biopsy device functionality, patient positioning, proper biopsy technique, image documentation, needle safety and overall procedural confidence and anxiety levels were reported on a 5-point Likert scale before and after training.

Participants demonstrated significant improvement in number of correctly answered general knowledge questions after training (P < .0001). Significant improvement was seen in resident comfort level in ultrasound machine functionality, patient positioning, biopsy device functionality, biopsy technique, image documentation, as well as overall confidence level (all P < .05). Participants indicated a slight but not significant reduction in anxiety levels (P = .27).

A simulation-based USG breast biopsy training session may improve radiology trainee procedural knowledge, comfort levels, and overall procedural confidence.