Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study

Introduction: Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) is a relatively new technology that requires training and mentoring. The use of a FoCUS simulator is a novel training method that may prompt greater adoption of this technology by physicians at different levels of training and experience. The objecti...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robert Morgan, Bradley Sanville, Shashank Bathula, Shaban Demirel, Serene Perkins, Gordon E. Johnson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: CINQUILL Medical Publishers Inc. 2019-11-01
Series:POCUS Journal
Online Access:https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/pocus/article/view/13845
_version_ 1828148792773312512
author Robert Morgan
Bradley Sanville
Shashank Bathula
Shaban Demirel
Serene Perkins
Gordon E. Johnson
author_facet Robert Morgan
Bradley Sanville
Shashank Bathula
Shaban Demirel
Serene Perkins
Gordon E. Johnson
author_sort Robert Morgan
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) is a relatively new technology that requires training and mentoring. The use of a FoCUS simulator is a novel training method that may prompt greater adoption of this technology by physicians at different levels of training and experience. The objective of this study was to determine if simulation training using an advanced echo simulator (Real Ultrasound®) is a feasible means of delivering training in FoCUS. Methods: Twenty-five residents and attending physicians participated in this study. After performing a pretest, training on the Real Ultrasound® was administered. Improvement was assessed immediately after simulator training. Additionally, some participants were retested six months after training to determine whether learned skills were retained. Results: Of the 25 participants recruited, all completed the pretest phase, and 17 completed the training and immediate posttest assessment. At pretest, the median angular deviation of acquired images from anatomically correct was 37°, which improved to 30° after training (p<0.002). Technical skill was largely maintained at six months of follow-up, with a median angle error of 27 and 31°, respectively (p=0.093) in 8 participants who completed the post and six-month retention assessments. The median pretest image interpretation score improved from 55% to 70% (p=0.028); median post and six month scores in the 8 participants were 72 and 68%, respectively (p=0.735). Conclusions: Simulation training in FoCUS significantly improves skills in image acquisition. These skills appear to be retained over time. This study adds support for the use of advanced echocardiographic simulators to enhance formal FoCUS training in a real-world setting.
first_indexed 2024-04-11T21:20:47Z
format Article
id doaj.art-d93691c8d23a4f9cac521ccb39f75b7c
institution Directory Open Access Journal
issn 2369-8543
language English
last_indexed 2024-04-11T21:20:47Z
publishDate 2019-11-01
publisher CINQUILL Medical Publishers Inc.
record_format Article
series POCUS Journal
spelling doaj.art-d93691c8d23a4f9cac521ccb39f75b7c2022-12-22T04:02:39ZengCINQUILL Medical Publishers Inc.POCUS Journal2369-85432019-11-014210.24908/pocus.v4i2.13845Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy StudyRobert Morgan0Bradley Sanville1Shashank Bathula2Shaban Demirel3Serene Perkins4Gordon E. Johnson5Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USALegacy Emanuel Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USAWestern University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR, USADepartment of Clinical and Outcomes Research, Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USALegacy Institute for Surgical Education and Innovation, Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA; Department of Clinical and Outcomes Research, Legacy Research Institute, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Legacy Health, Portland, OR, USA Introduction: Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) is a relatively new technology that requires training and mentoring. The use of a FoCUS simulator is a novel training method that may prompt greater adoption of this technology by physicians at different levels of training and experience. The objective of this study was to determine if simulation training using an advanced echo simulator (Real Ultrasound®) is a feasible means of delivering training in FoCUS. Methods: Twenty-five residents and attending physicians participated in this study. After performing a pretest, training on the Real Ultrasound® was administered. Improvement was assessed immediately after simulator training. Additionally, some participants were retested six months after training to determine whether learned skills were retained. Results: Of the 25 participants recruited, all completed the pretest phase, and 17 completed the training and immediate posttest assessment. At pretest, the median angular deviation of acquired images from anatomically correct was 37°, which improved to 30° after training (p<0.002). Technical skill was largely maintained at six months of follow-up, with a median angle error of 27 and 31°, respectively (p=0.093) in 8 participants who completed the post and six-month retention assessments. The median pretest image interpretation score improved from 55% to 70% (p=0.028); median post and six month scores in the 8 participants were 72 and 68%, respectively (p=0.735). Conclusions: Simulation training in FoCUS significantly improves skills in image acquisition. These skills appear to be retained over time. This study adds support for the use of advanced echocardiographic simulators to enhance formal FoCUS training in a real-world setting. https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/pocus/article/view/13845
spellingShingle Robert Morgan
Bradley Sanville
Shashank Bathula
Shaban Demirel
Serene Perkins
Gordon E. Johnson
Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
POCUS Journal
title Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
title_full Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
title_fullStr Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
title_full_unstemmed Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
title_short Simulator-Based Training in FoCUS with Skill-Based Metrics for Feedback: An Efficacy Study
title_sort simulator based training in focus with skill based metrics for feedback an efficacy study
url https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/pocus/article/view/13845
work_keys_str_mv AT robertmorgan simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy
AT bradleysanville simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy
AT shashankbathula simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy
AT shabandemirel simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy
AT sereneperkins simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy
AT gordonejohnson simulatorbasedtraininginfocuswithskillbasedmetricsforfeedbackanefficacystudy