Think FAST: Using a Clinical Ultrasound Examination to Study Abdominal Anatomy

Abstract

BackgroundUltrasound is increasingly being incorporated into gross anatomy courses to augment traditional teaching methods. Ultrasound has been found to be useful in presenting clinically relevant material, creating a link between basic science and clinical courses. A Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam is used to inspect the abdominopelvic and pericardial cavities for injury and bleeding following trauma. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of using a clinical ultrasound examination, the FAST exam, to study abdominal anatomy in a medical gross anatomy course.MethodsFirst‐year medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine ‐ Fort Wayne were invited to participate in an ultrasound activity during which they were introduced to basic ultrasound principles and techniques and then instructed on how to conduct a FAST exam. The students were provided with hands‐on experience conducting the exam on student volunteers. Facilitators were on‐hand to assist with probe placement and structure identification. Following the activity students completed a brief survey about the experience.ResultsSeventeen out of 32 students (53%) elected to participate in the activity. Students completed the activity in groups of 5–6 students so that each student had ample opportunity for hands‐on probe time. All students agreed that participating in the activity was a valuable use of their time and increased their knowledge of abdominal anatomy. All students also indicated that they had a better understanding of anatomical relationships within the abdominal cavity after participating in the activity.ConclusionsStudent response to the FAST exam activity was overwhelmingly positive. Students found the FAST exam to be a useful method for examining the 3‐dimensional relationships within the abdominal cavity. Framing the anatomical relationships in a clinical context made these relationships more meaningful and relevant for medical students.