Qualitative ultrasound training: defining the learning curve

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Background:

• Assessing trainee competence in ultrasound is crucial for ensuring diagnostic accuracy.
• Groin and shoulder ultrasound are important diagnostic skills for various clinical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning curves and competence acquisition for groin and shoulder ultrasound in trainees compared to an expert.
• To define objective training endpoints for ultrasound proficiency.

Main Methods:

• Trainee performance was recorded using pro formas, with diagnoses compared to an expert.
• Kappa analysis assessed agreement, defining competence as 80% agreement.
• Cumulative sum analysis was used for case-by-case performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• An average of 70 groin examinations and 80 shoulder examinations were needed for competence.
• Inguinal hernias required more examinations than femoral hernias; supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons were most challenging.
• Learning curves followed a sigmoid pattern, with variations between anatomical structures.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests minimum examination numbers for ultrasound training curricula.
• Cumulative sum analysis is a sensitive tool for identifying learning difficulties and guiding targeted training.
• Prospective use of cumulative sum analysis can optimize training support and accelerate skill acquisition.