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. 2010 Nov;25(11):1248-52.
doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1451-5. Epub 2010 Aug 10.

Adding new tools to the black bag--introduction of ultrasound into the physical diagnosis course

Nelia Afonso  1 , David Amponsah, James Yang, Jennifer Mendez, Patrick Bridge, Gregory Hays, Sudhir Baliga, Karen Crist, Simone Brennan, Matt Jackson, Scott Dulchavsky
Affiliations

Adding new tools to the black bag--introduction of ultrasound into the physical diagnosis course

Nelia Afonso et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound, a versatile diagnostic modality that permits real-time visualization at the patient's bedside, can be used as an adjunct in teaching physical diagnosis (PD).

Aims: (1) to study the feasibility of incorporating ultrasound into PD courses and (2) determine whether learners can demonstrate image recognition and acquisition skills.

Program description: Three hundred seven second-year medical students were introduced to cardiovascular and abdominal ultrasound scanning after training in the physical examination. This consisted of a demonstration of the ultrasound examination, followed by practice on standardized patients (SPs). Pre-post tests were administered to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of ultrasound. Students performed an ultrasound examination during the PD final examination.

Program evaluation: Pre-post test data revealed significant improvements in image recognition. On the final exam, the highest scores (98.4%) were obtained for the internal jugular vein and lowest scores (74.6%) on the Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma images. Eighty-nine percent of students' surveyed felt ultrasound was a valuable tool for physicians.

Discussion: An introductory ultrasound course is effective in improving medical students' acquisition and recognition of basic cardiovascular and abdominal ultrasound images. This innovative program demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating portable ultrasound as a learning tool during medical school.

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