Enhancing anatomical education: Developing and evaluating ultrasound training for anatomists

Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic tool that can yield significant diagnostic data, but its optimized usage necessitates operators who are trained and experienced. Integrating ultrasound into anatomy education has been demonstrated to significantly enhance medical and health science students' understanding of living anatomy by providing real-time, dynamic visualizations of anatomical structures. This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive program for anatomists, with a focus on enhancing training in ultrasound techniques and fostering motivation to integrate ultrasound into their teaching methodologies for effective anatomical instruction. This qualitative case study was conducted with thirteen lecturers and MSc Anatomy students at the Division of Clinical Anatomy, Stellenbosch University, after obtaining written informed consent prior to participation. The study employed a convenient sampling strategy, ensuring that all participants were willing and interested in the ultrasound training session. Participants received preparatory videos before engaging in practical training. The session involved a brief theoretical introduction followed by 90 min of hands-on practice, where participants scanned anatomical structures under guidance. Out of the 13 participants, ten completed the open-ended questionnaires. Thematic analysis of the data developed two themes. These are described as: (1) Strengths of Ultrasound Training; and (2) Challenges and Strategies for Improvement in Ultrasound Training. The training effectively engaged participants and highlighted areas for improvement to enhance the educational impact. The study was conducted at a single institutional setting, and as a result, the findings may have limited transferability to other institutions with different teaching methods and resources.