Benefits of using a simulator in the initial training for transvaginal ultrasound examination in gynecologic...

Transvaginal ultrasound examination is decisive in Gynecologic emergency unit. This study's aim was to evaluate benefits of using a simulator for initial training of medical student for transvaginal ultrasound examination.

A multicenter randomized trial was conducted. Medical student were randomized in two groups: in the intervention group, students took part in a simulation session in addition to the companionship-training while in the control group, they were only trained by companionship. To evaluate their progression, the quality of ultrasound pictures performed in real conditions before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the training by the students of both groups were evaluated and compared. Evaluation was performed according to predefined quality criterias for each ultrasound examination using a score of 20 points. Mean scores of students in both groups were compared for the pre and post-test.

Fifty six medical students were included. Mean scores of the 56 students were significantly better at the post-test than at the pre-test: 10,61/20 [9,62-11, 59] vs 6,35/20 [5,48-7,24], p < 0,001. Mean scores were significantly better at the post-test for students in the intervention group (n = 29) than in the control group (n = 27) 11,79/20 [7,72-10,94] vs 9,33/20 [7,72-10,94], p = 0,01. All the students in the intervention group were satisfied or highly satisfied to take part in this program.

Using a simulator for medical student was beneficial in the initial training of transvaginal ultrasound examination.