Comparison of temporal variations in ultrasound training in four novice groups

The use of bedside ultrasound in healthcare has greatly expanded across medical specialties over the past few decades. As a result, more medical and health professional schools are beginning to incorporate ultrasound training into their curricula. Currently, the implementation of ultrasound training varies significantly from institution to institution with key differences in the temporal placement of training within the curricula. This research project aimed to determine if the placement and timing of ultrasound training impacted skill acquisition comparing four ultrasound novice groups: 1 st year medical students in gross anatomy, 4 th year medical students, 2 nd year physician assistant students and standardized patients. While the curricular content was identical for each novice group, the length of training varied from 16 weeks for the first year medical students, 4 weeks for the fourth year medical students, 2 weeks for the physician assistant students, and 2 days for standardized patients. Each group was given a pre‐test at the beginning of the course, a pair‐matched post‐test upon completion, and a course evaluation. Initially data was compared between the medical students. While some variation occurred in the scores on the pre‐test, similar results were achieved on the post‐test. This preliminary data suggests that the same level of proficiency can be achieved regardless if the curriculum is spread out or concentrated and is independent of year of training within medical school. These results will be compared to the courses for physician assistant students and standardized patients. Details of the curriculum will be presented along with recommendations for implementation of ultrasound training based on the pending results.