Simulation-based Ultrasound Curriculum for Novice Clinicians to Assess Neonatal Endotracheal Tube Position.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ultrasound Technology
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Neonatal endotracheal tube (ETT) placement confirmation is critical.
• Clinicians often have limited experience with ultrasound (US) for this procedure.
• Effective training methods are needed to improve competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a simulation-based mastery curriculum for training clinicians in US assessment of neonatal ETT positioning.
• To assess the impact of the curriculum on knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective educational study involving 29 neonatology clinicians.
• Utilized a curriculum with didactic lecture and 3D-printed US phantom model simulation.
• Evaluated skills via performance checklist, knowledge tests, and self-assessment surveys.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in US image acquisition and ETT positioning assessment checklist scores.
• Significant decrease in the time required to perform US assessments.
• Substantial gains in knowledge assessment scores and self-reported confidence.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based mastery training effectively improves US skills for neonatal ETT positioning in novice clinicians.
• Three-dimensional modeling enhances simulation-based training for procedural competency.
• This approach optimizes learning in controlled environments before clinical application.