The Belfast musculoskeletal ultrasound course.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a training course in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) for rheumatologists in Northern Ireland with the aim of equipping the participants with a basic knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of MSUS as they are applied to rheumatology.


METHODS
Between September 2007 and June 2008, 10 rheumatologists attended a course in basic MSUS that was delivered by 7 rheumatologists with experience in MSUS. The course consisted of five separate modules that included tutorials on MSUS, self-directed learning of scanning techniques and personal mentoring. Progress was monitored throughout the course by the use of personal logbooks. Competency was formally assessed using the Royal College of Physicians' Direct Operational Procedural Skills (DOPS) assessment and an exit examination.


RESULTS
Five trainees completed the entire course and passed both the practical and written elements of the exit examination. All were deemed to have attained a basic level of competency in MSUS. The main obstacle to completion of the course was a lack of scanning practice and an inability to complete the required number of scans and DOPS assessments. Participants were more likely to fulfil the requirements of the course if they were employed full time in the regional rheumatology unit where the course was based. All participants reported high levels of confidence in their basic scanning skills at the conclusion of the course. They also felt that the training enhanced their clinical examination skills and their understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy.


CONCLUSIONS
A basic MSUS training course can be successfully delivered using a modular design that takes account of the trainee's level of experience and their work schedule. Important elements of such a course should include personal mentoring and the recording of scanning activity using a logbook. Periodic assessment of the trainee's performance is a useful means to motivate learning. Basic training in MSUS should become an accepted part of the routine training of rheumatologists in the UK.
Regional Rheumatology Unit, Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. allister.taggart@ntlworld.com
Allister J
AJ
Taggart
Stephen A
SA
Wright
Elisabeth
E
Ball
David
D
Kane
Gary
G
Wright
D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000193:education*; D014463:Ultrasonography