Skill development of beginner sonography students using high-fidelity simulators: Initial experiences

Abstract

Background The training of Australian sonographers is shared between accredited course providers and clinical training providers. Scanning skills are mostly developed in a real-life setting environment by the clinical training provider. Sonographer training is burdensome on clinical training providers due to increasing service delivery demands. Accredited course providers should therefore investigate innovative methods of skill training that can be undertaken outside of the clinical environment. Aims This report evaluates four sonographer skill development activities for novice students that used high fidelity ultrasound simulators. Results All students reported positive experiences and outcomes of simulator based learning activities and believed that simulated skills development sessions help them develop scanning skills. Students perceived their skills level after simulation sessions to be at levels where they could scan in a real clinical setting with supervision levels ranging from moderate to no assistance. Supervisor ratings ranged from students being able to scan with large amounts of assistance to being able to scan with minimal assistance. A self-directed learning package was introduced which was well received by students. Conclusions The results of the evaluations of the reported simulated learning activities are promising for a self-directed and student centered learning curriculum to be ‘wrapped’ around the use of high fidelity simulators to develop student skills in the early stages of training.