Role of a route map in learning lumbar spinal ultrasonography: a study protocol for a randomised, controlled teaching study

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar spinal ultrasonography is an important tool used by pain physicians and anaesthesiologists to perform pain-related scanning, interventional treatments and anaesthesia in clinical practice. However, ultrasound images of the lumbar spine are complex and numerous. Moreover, long learning curves are necessary for novice physicians to memorise, master and apply this modality in their clinical practice. This study will use our team's recent teaching research achievement, the 'spinal ultrasound route map', as a teaching tool to comprehensively compare learning effectiveness and satisfaction between novices learning with or without this route map. The appropriate time point at which to introduce the route map in the teaching process will also be evaluated.

Methods and analysis: This randomised, controlled teaching study with a target sample size of 40 clinicians will be carried out at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to group 1 or group 2. Participants in group 1 will receive traditional lumbar ultrasonography training, followed by teaching with the route map. Participants in group 2 will receive training directly with the route map. There will be questionnaires, timed tests and gradings from teachers throughout the training process. The data will be collected via the Q1, Q2 and Q3 questionnaires and the timed test. The primary outcome is the composite learning score, which will be measured when group 1 participants fill out questionnaire Q2 after traditional training and group 2 participants fill out questionnaire Q3 after training with the route map. The secondary outcomes will include the composite learning score at different time points, the results of the timed test, grading scale scores from teachers and the participants' satisfaction with the route map.

Ethics and dissemination: This study received authorisation from the Institutional Review Board on 11 April 2024. The study findings will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences or publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number: ChiCTR2400084604.

Keywords: ANAESTHETICS; MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING; PaAIN MANAGEMENT; Spine; Ultrasound.

Figure 1. The express edition of the lumbar ultrasonography route map.

Figure 2. The programmed travel routes for the ultrasound scan route map of the upper lumbar region, including both the anatomical diagram and the simple ultrasonography route map. (A) short-axis; (B) long axis.

Figure 3. The programmed travel routes for the ultrasound scan route map of the middle lumbar region, including both the anatomical diagram and the simple ultrasonography route map. (A) short-axis; (B) long axis.

Figure 4. The programmed travel routes for the ultrasound scan route map of the lower lumbar region, including both the anatomical diagram and the simple ultrasonography route map. (A) short-axis; (B) long axis.

Figure 5. Study process diagram.