Enhancement of undergraduate rheumatology teaching through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is increasingly being used by rheumatologists in routine clinical practice to aid with diagnosis and therapy monitoring in the rheumatic conditions. Undergraduate teaching in anatomy is often regarded as problematic and various approaches are in use in UK medical schools. To our knowledge no study to date describes the use of MSUS to facilitate understanding of pathology in the musculoskeletal system at undergraduate level. Accordingly, we wished to explore the usefulness of a short practical ultrasound course for medical undergraduates in learning basic and pathological features of the musculoskeletal system.

Methods: As part of the third-year undergraduate medical musculoskeletal attachment at Queens University Belfast, a 12-week student-selected component (SSC) entitled 'Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatology' was offered. The course was a combination of lectures, hand-outs, practical demonstration and supervised hands-on scanning with three methods of summative assessment employed (MCQ paper, practical examination and general attitude).

Results: The course involved approximately 30 h work for the two tutors. Seven students completed the course with an overall mean score of 85.3% attained in the assessment. The feedback on the course from the students was extremely positive.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound could be utilized to enhance the delivery of undergraduate teaching in rheumatology.