Solid, Cystic, and Tubular: Novice Ultrasound Skills Training Using a Versatile, Affordable Practice Model.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound
• Simulation-Based Training

Background:

• Physician experience with procedural ultrasound is limited due to a lack of formal training in medical schools and residency programs.
• There is a need for accessible and affordable ultrasound training tools to bridge this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an inexpensive and versatile ultrasound training curriculum and practice model.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of this model in teaching basic ultrasound-guided procedures.

Main Methods:

• A didactic session covered ultrasound-guided procedure theory.
• A gelatin-based practice model with embedded structural analogs was used for hands-on skills training.
• The model was tested on 50 medical students and general surgery residents.

Main Results:

• The gelatin model costs $1.03 per learner and allows clear visualization of simulated structures.
• High success rates were achieved in aspirating cystic structures (84%), biopsying solid structures (88%), and cannulating tubular structures (76%).
• 82% of participants passed the assessment, demonstrating proficiency in ultrasound-guided procedures.

Conclusions:

• This affordable gelatin model effectively teaches fundamental ultrasound skills like aspiration, biopsy, and vessel cannulation.
• The model provides valuable practice opportunities to build medical student and resident confidence and competency in ultrasound procedures.
• It serves as a foundation for a wide range of clinical ultrasound applications.