Evaluating the use of BodyWorks Eve® high-fidelity ultrasound simulation equipment in formative clinical assessments

Increasing demand for ultrasound services is reducing learners' access to medical ultrasound clinical experience. High-fidelity simulation equipment, such as the BodyWorks Eve®, enhances the learners' experience and scanning ability. This has the potential to improve patient safety as the learners' ability to detect, identify and accurately report a known pathology can be assessed, which is not possible in clinical practice.

Participants performed one pathological ultrasound examination on the BodyWorks Eve® and the participants' performance level was assessed by the primary investigator using a formative clinical assessment form already used by the Diagnostic Imaging programme at the University of Leeds. The outcome was analysed using narrative statistics, and participants' feedback was evaluated using thematic analysis.

A total of 16 participants were recruited. Eight (50%) reached the required level, but eight (50%) failed to reach the required level in at least one of the seven criteria that indicate professionally incompetent or dangerous practice. Thematic analysis of all the participants' comments identified four main themes and two sub-themes which highlighted the benefits of the simulated assessment for prompting reflection, replicating clinical practice and gaining confidence in the assessment process, while also identifying negative aspects such as technical limitations when using the BodyWorks Eve®.

Most participants evaluated the BodyWorks Eve® favourably. Using BodyWorks Eve® for formative clinical assessments is feasible and acceptable to participants. Further correlation to outcomes in clinical practice would be useful.