Quality assured ultrasound simulator training for the detection of fetal malformations.
OBJECTIVE
Sonographic training in obstetrics differs broadly in Germany, although there are clearly defined quality-oriented requirements. In order to improve professional education, a training concept was devised utilizing an ultrasound simulator system.


METHODS
Between October 2004 and May 2006, 100 obstetric ultrasound training courses were held in 12 federal states of Germany. In these daily courses, doctors were trained in the detection of the most common malformations.


METHODS
One hundred training courses with a total of 1,266 participants.


METHODS
As a measure of quality assurance, a standardized questionnaire focusing on testing sonographic proficiency before and after the courses was issued in order to analyze the effect of these simulator-based ultrasound courses.


METHODS
Effectiveness of the method with reference to its potential role in structured sonographic training.


RESULTS
The concept found prevailing approval (90%) at the level of principle, practical implementation, and clinical usefulness. Of the participants, 91% estimated their subjective training effect as good. The questionnaire analysis showed significant improvement. On average, 75.3% of the questions relating to sonographic proficiency were answered correctly at the end of the course as opposed to 48.6% at the beginning.


CONCLUSIONS
Structured ultrasound training courses based on an ultrasound simulator system seem to be useful for defining a basic standardized quality of training and significantly improving examiners' skills. This is a suitable additional instrument to improve the education in obstetric ultrasound.
Staboulidou
Ismini
I
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical School of Hannover, Hannover, Germany. Staboulidou.Ismini@mh-hannover.de
Wüstemann
Max
M
Vaske
Bernhard
B
Elsässer
Michael
M
Hillemanns
Peter
P
Scharf
Alexander
A
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D011247:Pregnancy; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000592:standards*