title: Are Live Ultrasound Models Replaceable? Traditional versus Simulated Education Module for FAST Exam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is a commonly used and life-saving tool in the initial assessment of trauma patients. The recommended emergency medicine (EM) curriculum includes ultrasound and studies show the additional utility of ultrasound training for medical students. EM clerkships vary and often do not contain formal ultrasound instruction. Time constraints for facilitating lectures and hands-on learning of ultrasound are challenging. Limitations on didactics call for development and inclusion of novel educational strategies, such as simulation. The objective of this study was to compare the test, survey, and performance of ultrasound between medical students trained on an ultrasound simulator versus those trained via traditional, hands-on patient format.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, blinded, controlled educational study focused on EM clerkship medical students. After all received a standardized lecture with pictorial demonstration of image acquisition, students were randomized into two groups: control group receiving traditional training method via practice on a human model and intervention group training via practice on an ultrasound simulator. Participants were tested and surveyed on indications and interpretation of FAST and training and confidence with image interpretation and acquisition before and after this educational activity. Evaluation of FAST skills was performed on a human model to emulate patient care and practical skills were scored via objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) with critical action checklist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference between control group (N=54) and intervention group (N=39) on pretest scores, prior ultrasound training/education, or ultrasound comfort level in general or on FAST. All students (N=93) showed significant improvement from pre- to post-test scores and significant improvement in comfort level using ultrasound in general and on FAST (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between groups on OSCE scores of FAST on a live model. Overall, no differences were demonstrated between groups trained on human models versus simulator.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no difference between groups in knowledge based ultrasound test scores, survey of comfort levels with ultrasound, and students' abilities to perform and interpret FAST on human models.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that an ultrasound simulator is a suitable alternative method for ultrasound education. Additional uses of ultrasound simulation should be explored in the future.
authors.affiliation: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York ; Elmhurst Hospital Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Elmhurst, New York.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bentley
authors.affiliation: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York.
authors.forename: Gurpreet
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mudan
authors.affiliation: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Emergency Medicine, New York City, New York.
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Strother
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000379:methods*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D009518:New York; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*