Clinical Anatomy and Ultrasound Bootcamp for Anesthesiology Residents: A Pilot Study and Lessons Learned

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Anatomical Sciences

Background:

• Ultrasound is crucial for anesthesiologists performing peripheral nerve blocks.
• Current hands-on ultrasound training using human donors often lacks integrated basic science anatomy reviews.
• This study addresses the need for enhanced anatomical understanding in ultrasound-guided procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an anatomist-led clinical anatomy review combined with physician-led ultrasound training.
• To assess the impact on anesthesiology residents' knowledge and confidence in performing ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks.
• To explore the utility of using both prosected and undissected anatomical donors in training.

Main Methods:

• A 2-hour session included an anatomy review on prosected donors followed by ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block training on undissected donors.
• Training covered key blocks: interscalene, supraclavicular, femoral, sciatic, and transversus abdominis plane.
• Data collected via pre/post surveys and assessments were analyzed to measure changes in knowledge and confidence.

Main Results:

• The training significantly improved residents' confidence across 14 domains related to anatomy and ultrasound approach.
• All participants (100%) found the simultaneous use of dissected and undissected donors highly beneficial.
• Knowledge acquisition was confirmed by a significant increase in assessment scores (p = .003).

Conclusions:

• The integrated approach using both prosected and undissected donors is valuable for anesthesiology residents.
• Comparing ultrasound images directly with physical anatomy enhances resident knowledge and confidence.
• This method provides a robust foundation for mastering ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks.