Feasibility and efficacy of a neurovascular ultrasound training course for undergraduate medical students

Neurovascular ultrasound is an easily applicable bed-side tool for guiding the diagnosis and monitoring of cerebrovascular disease. Although sonography training is increasingly integrated in medical school curricula, neurovascular ultrasound has been largely neglected in these efforts. We therefore aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a neurovascular ultrasound training course for medical students.

Five small-group neurovascular ultrasound course offerings were conducted between 2016 and 2019 at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. This study represents a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected educational course evaluation data. Each course offering followed the same course structure and assessment schedule and was offered to 2nd - to 5th -year medical students. Demographics and previous ultrasound experience were documented. To test pre-course knowledge, all participants completed a theoretical test, followed by the 20-hour hands-on training course comprising a standardized step-by-step examination of the extra- and intracranial brain-supplying arteries. Afterwards, all students underwent a practical exam in single-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination format, conducted by neurovascular ultrasound experts, blinded to the study's scope and data, using a predefined standard protocol.

A total of 51 students (median age: 23 years, IQR: 1; range: 21-28; 24 females, 47%) participated in the courses. Of those, 27 (53%) had previous ultrasound experience. For the practical exam, participants achieved a median score of 56/66 points (IQR: 9; 85%). 44 students (86%) achieved a score above a 70% passing threshold. Of note, results were independent of previous practical ultrasound experience and theoretical pre-course knowledge (p each > 0.1).

This study demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of a simply designed neurovascular ultrasound course in medical students. It can provide substantial hands-on competence even in students without previous ultrasound experience, supporting its integration into medical school curricula.