Equivalence Study Comparing a Cost-Effective PC-Based Ultrasound Training Tool to Traditional Simulators in Third-Year Medical Students

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

408 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-03-04

Study Completion Date

2024-04-26

Brief Summary

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Brief Summary:

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a cost-effective, PC-based ultrasound training tool is as effective as a traditional, medium-cost ultrasound simulator for teaching third-year medical students thoracic and abdominal ultrasound skills. This study focuses on improving access to high-quality ultrasound training in educational settings with limited resources. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does the PC-based tool help participants improve their ability to optimize ultrasound images in a way comparable to the traditional simulator?
2. Can participants using the PC-based tool identify and interpret pathological conditions with the same accuracy as those using the traditional simulator?

Participants are third-year medical students enrolled in a structured internship. They will:

1. Watch educational videos covering key concepts in thoracic and abdominal ultrasound imaging.
2. Rotate through training stations where they will practice using either the PC-based tool or the traditional simulator.
3. Perform hands-on exercises with healthy volunteers to practice image acquisition and recognition of anatomical structures.
4. Complete pre- and post-training assessments to measure their progress in skills such as image optimization and identifying pathological conditions.

This study aims to explore whether a low-cost digital solution can provide equal educational value, offering a practical alternative to traditional simulators in resource-limited settings.

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Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Ultrasound Medical Training Simulation Based Learning Medical Student

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Simulator Thoracic and Abdominal

Participants in this group will receive ultrasound training using a traditional, medium-cost ultrasound simulator (VausSim). This simulator allows students to practice image acquisition and pathology recognition in a controlled environment. Training will also include hands-on practice with healthy volunteers. The performance of students in this group will be compared to those using the PC-based tool to determine if both methods produce similar learning outcomes.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Traditional Ultrasound Simulator (VausSim)

Intervention Type DEVICE

A medium-cost ultrasound simulator used for hands-on training in thoracic and abdominal ultrasound. It allows medical students to practice probe handling, image acquisition, and pathology recognition in a controlled simulation environment.

PC-based tool

Participants in this group will receive ultrasound training using an interactive PC-based tool. This tool provides real ultrasound images and videos to simulate pathology recognition and image optimization. Students will rotate through different training stations, including hands-on practice with healthy volunteers. The goal is to assess whether this low-cost digital tool is as effective as a traditional ultrasound simulator for teaching ultrasound skills.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

PC-Based Ultrasound Training Tool

Intervention Type DEVICE

An interactive, PowerPoint-based PC tool designed to simulate pathology recognition and ultrasound image optimization for medical students. It provides real ultrasound videos and images, allowing students to practice diagnostic interpretation and image acquisition in a structured training format.

Interventions

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PC-Based Ultrasound Training Tool

An interactive, PowerPoint-based PC tool designed to simulate pathology recognition and ultrasound image optimization for medical students. It provides real ultrasound videos and images, allowing students to practice diagnostic interpretation and image acquisition in a structured training format.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Traditional Ultrasound Simulator (VausSim)

A medium-cost ultrasound simulator used for hands-on training in thoracic and abdominal ultrasound. It allows medical students to practice probe handling, image acquisition, and pathology recognition in a controlled simulation environment.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Third-year medical students enrolled in the "Approach to Ultrasound" internship.
* Participants who have completed the preliminary blended learning videos on thoracic and abdominal ultrasound techniques.
* Participants with or without prior minimal experience in using an ultrasound probe, provided they have not undergone formal specialized ultrasound training.

Exclusion Criteria

* Inability to attend all training sessions and assessments as per the study schedule.
* Physical or medical conditions that limit the ability to perform hands-on ultrasound practice (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries).
* Refusal to provide informed consent.

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes