• Mishal Mendiratta-Lala, Todd Williams, Nishant de Quadros, John Bonnett, and Vivek Mendiratta.
• Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA. mishal_lala@yahoo.com
• Acad Radiol. 2010 Apr 1;17(4):535-40.

Rationale And ObjectivesWith advancements in technology and push for health care reform and reduced costs, minimally invasive procedures, such as those that are ultrasound-guided, have become an essential part of radiology, and are used in many divisions of radiology. By incorporating standardized training methodologies in a risk free environment through utilization of a simulation center with phantom training, we hope to improve proficiency and confidence in procedural performance.Materials And MethodsTwenty-nine radiology residents from four levels of training were enrolled in this prospective study. The residents were given written, video, and live interactive training on the basics of ultrasound-guided procedures in our simulation center on a phantom mannequin. All of the teaching materials were created by residents and staff radiologists at the institution.ResultsResidents demonstrated statistically significant improvement (P < .05) between their pre- and posttest scores on both the written and practical examinations. They also showed a trend toward improved dexterity in the technical aspects of ultrasound-guided procedures (P = .07) after training. On the survey questionnaire, residents confirm improved knowledge level, technical ability, and confidence levels pertaining to ultrasound-guided procedures.ConclusionsThe use of controlled simulation based training can be an invaluable tool to improve the knowledge level, dexterity, and confidence of residents performing ultrasound-guided procedures. Additionally, a simulation model allows standardization of education.Copyright 2010 AUR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

13 keywords...

hide…