ITSUS: Integrated, Tiered, Self-Directed Ultrasound Scanning for Learning Anatomy.

Creagh Boulger,Adam Niku,David P Bahner,Michael Prats,Martina Diaz

doi:10.7759/cureus.16119

Abstract

Ultrasound is being introduced into many medical schools and incorporated into the anatomy curriculum; however, in most cases, this consists of proctored sessions which can be limited by faculty time and availability. Additionally, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has significantly impacted medical education, especially ultrasound education, which has traditionally depended on hands-on practice and instruction. A structured, independent, hands-on learning curriculum using ultrasound would have many benefits. In this study, eight self-guided system-based modules were developed mirroring the undergraduate anatomy curriculum. For each scan, a beginner, intermediate, and advanced component was designed. Each module contains clear, stepwise directions for image acquisition, optimization, and interpretation of the anatomical structures and suggestions for troubleshooting. Students save ultrasound images as part of their digital portfolios for review with ultrasound faculty. This design provides an educational model to increase medical student opportunities for independent, structured, self-directed anatomy learning with ultrasound that can be integrated with existing educational programs.

Highlights

Ultrasound is a valuable tool for teaching anatomy to medical students, either as a supplement or a replacement for traditional approaches
Ultrasound is being introduced into many medical schools and incorporated into the anatomy curriculum; in most cases, this consists of proctored sessions which can be limited by faculty time and availability
Students save ultrasound images as part of their digital portfolios for review with ultrasound faculty. This design provides an educational model to increase medical student opportunities for independent, structured, selfdirected anatomy learning with ultrasound that can be integrated with existing educational programs

Summary

Introduction

Ultrasound is a valuable tool for teaching anatomy to medical students, either as a supplement or a replacement for traditional approaches. Throughout LSI Part 1, students are offered the opportunity to participate in elective and required hands-on ultrasound scanning sessions relevant to the five curricular units that incorporate a gross anatomy component. These five blocks are divided into six ultrasound sessions: Musculoskeletal, Head and Neck, Cardiac, Hepatobiliary, Renal, and Thyroid. A series of eight self-directed, hands-on ultrasound modules were designed to correspond to the systemsbased anatomy curriculum in LSI Part 1. These eight modules constitute the ITSUS curriculum that supplements the existing formal UME ultrasound education curriculum at OSUCOM. Completion of a documented ITSUS portfolio counts toward an Advanced Competency in Ultrasound granted during LSI Part 3

Discussion

Conclusions

Disclosures