Virtual DEGUM-certified course in the head and neck region-a useful complement to conventional course formats?

Abstract

Training in clinical ultrasound has become highly relevant for working as an otorhinolaryngologist. While there is ahigh demand for standardized and certified training courses, until recently, there was no possibility to attend web-based and exclusively virtual head and neck ultrasound courses certified by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin (DEGUM; German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine). The aim of this study was to provide aqualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the first purely virtual DEGUM-certified head and neck ultrasound courses. In 2021, three purely web-based DEGUM-certified head and neck ultrasound courses were carried out and then qualitatively analyzed using questionnaires including an examination. The purely virtual implementation of head and neck ultrasound courses proved to be aviable alternative to the conventional course format, with ahigh level of acceptance among the participants. The lack of practice among the participants remains a relevant criticism. Amore dominant role of web-based and remote ultrasound training is likely and should be considered as an alternative depending on existing conditions. Nevertheless, acquisition of practical sonographic skills remains amajor hurdle if courses are purely digital.