Resident performance in basic perioperative transesophageal echocardiography: Comparing 3 teaching methods in a...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

• Traditional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) training relies on time-intensive operating room experience, limiting anesthesiologist exposure.
• Medical simulation offers a viable alternative for training invasive procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of e-learning, simulation-based training, and hands-on operating room training for teaching basic TEE views.
• To evaluate the impact of different training modalities on resident performance in TEE.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 51 anesthesia and intensive care residents with no prior echocardiography experience.
• Residents were assigned to e-learning, simulation mannequin, or operating room training groups after theoretical instruction.
• Performance was assessed using theoretical and practical examinations on a simulation mannequin.

Main Results:

• Residents trained with the simulation mannequin achieved significantly higher scores in both practical and theoretical exams.
• Simulation-based training yielded superior results compared to both e-learning and hands-on operating room training.
• No significant difference was observed between e-learning and hands-on training groups.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based TEE training is more effective than e-learning or traditional hands-on methods.
• Simulation training is particularly beneficial for initial TEE education, focusing on psychomotor skills and echo-anatomy.
• This method enhances the acquisition of essential TEE competencies for residents.