Impact of one-day course on medical student knowledge, attitudes and comfort with point-of-care ultrasound-guided procedures

Abstract

Introduction: Given the ubiquity of procedural ultrasound in clinical practice, the importance of exposing medical students to the topic is increasingly relevant. We examined final-year medical student knowledge, attitudes and comfort level with procedural ultrasound before and after a one-day course.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey of final-year students at a single university. We collected data regarding ultrasound experience, career goals and knowledge of procedural ultrasound, as well as attitudes and comfort (each assessed with three questions using a Likert scale). All students were sent a pre- and post-test survey, and we compared pre- and post-test results using the chi-square test, with a two-tailed P-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: All of the 94 course participants completed both the pre- and post-tests. Of the 23 non-participants, 16 (70%) completed both pre- and post-tests. Almost all (99%) respondents reported some prior ultrasound exposure, but only 34% had previously performed at least one core procedure with ultrasound guidance. Among participants, we found a 13% average increase in knowledge score (P < 0.05) between pre- and post-tests; there was no significant change in knowledge score among non-participants. Among participants, we also found an increase in positive attitudes (P < 0.05 for two of three questions) and an increased comfort level with procedural ultrasound (P < 0.05 for all three questions).

Discussion: A one-day course can impact medical student knowledge, attitudes and comfort with the use of ultrasound for procedural guidance.

Conclusion: Further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes and explore alternative educational modalities.

Keywords: education; medical; point‐of‐care ultrasound; ultrasonography; ultrasound‐guided procedures; undergraduate.

Figure 1

Pre‐ and Post‐Test Knowledge Scores Among Respondents, Stratified by Participation in Procedural Ultrasound Course. Mean Per Cent of Correct Answers for Participants and Non‐Participants. Pre‐Test Scores are Represented by Dark‐Shaded Bars, and Post‐Test Scores are Represented by Light‐Shaded Bars. Per Cent Values Listed for Each Question Represent the Absolute Increase in the Mean Score. The Mean Score for Participants Increased +14% (72–86%, P < 0.05) and the Mean Score for Non‐Participants Decreased −1% (70–69%, P > 0.05). NS, Not Significant.

Figure 2

Pre‐ and Post‐Test Attitudes and Comfort Level of Students Towards Procedural Ultrasound. The Per Cent of Participants Who Either Agreed or Strongly Agreed with Each Statement is Reported. Pre‐Test Scores are Represented by Dark‐Shaded Bars, and Post‐Test Scores are Represented by Light‐Shaded Bars. The Questions are Listed Below the Figure. Questions 1, 2 and 3 Assessed Attitudes Towards Procedural Ultrasound, and Questions 4, 5 and 6 Assessed Comfort Level with Procedural Ultrasound. Per Cent Values Listed for Each Question Represent the Absolute Increase in the Proportion of Participants who Agreed with Each Statement. NS, Not Significant.