Simulation-based echocardiography learning contribution on training of medical residents

Echocardiography is a pivotal exam in critically ill patients, a specific training is crucial. Medical residents often lack echocardiography practice.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on medical residents' echocardiography mastery.

This interventional study was conducted among medical residents at the Simulation Center of the Faculty of Medicine in Monastir (CeSim) in January 2022. The intervention consisted of a theoretical training and a simulator-based practical training concerning echocardiography. Residents underwent evaluation before and after training through a "Pre-Test" and a "Post-Test," respectively, using a French-language questionnaire. Participation was entirely voluntary.

A total of 28 medical residents participated in our study, with the majority being female (57.1%). The median age was 29 years (interquartile range: 28-31.75). Following training, the proportion of participants who reported having the necessary skills for echocardiography interpretation significantly increased (p<0.05). Respondents demonstrated significant improvements in their scores on theoretical tests and practical skills assessments. Concerning echocardiographic views, the percentage of participants who correctly identified the title of the parasternal small axis section increased from 53.6% before training to 100% after training (p <10-3). Significant enhancements were observed in all parameters evaluating the practice of echocardiographic sections by respondents on a mannequin after training, encompassing time to obtain the view, view quality, image quality, visualization of structures, interpretability, and image stability (p<10-3). There was a significant improvement in average response rates for echocardiographic clinical syndroms among medical residents before and after training. All participants emphasized the indispensability of ultrasound education in the training of physicians specializing in managing cardiopulmonary emergencies.

This study reports the beneficial role of simulation-based training in enhancing the mastery of medical residents in echocardiography. Incorporating such training methods into their learning curricula is advisable.