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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06171828

Tele-education in Ultrasound Training

The study aims to assess the impact of remote guidance in ultrasound training for medical professionals new to abdominal ultrasound. It involves 40 participants, divided into two groups of 20 each - a self-study group and a remote learning group. Participants include licensed doctors with no prior training in abdominal ultrasound, who are over 18 years old and have consented to participate.

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Key information

Conditions

Telemedicine Education, Medical, Continuing Ultrasonography

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Samsung Medical Center

Seoul, 06351, South Korea

About this study

The study's design includes pre-surveys, random assignment, ultrasound training through educational videos, and distinct practice methods for each group - one with remote guidance and the other with traditional, in-person assistance. The effectiveness of training will be evaluated based on scores from evaluation forms, time taken for ultrasound imaging, frequency of requesting help, and surveys (NASA-Task Load Index, System Usability Scale, and a Self-confidence pre/post survey). Statistical analysis will be conducted using R software, employing tests such as the student t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test.

This research is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the efficacy of remote guidance in ultrasound education, potentially influencing future medical training methodologies.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Licensed doctor
  • Participants who didn't receive prior training in abdominal ultrasound
  • > 18 years old

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who do not agree to participate in the study

Treatment and study plan

Head-Mounted Display (HMD) to communicate with a supervisor remotely

Device

Participants in the experimental group are oriented on using the education platform and communicating with the supervisor through an HMD for about 5 minutes. They then perform and save their ultrasound imaging. If they require assistance, they request help verbally through the HMD's communication system. The supervisor remotely observes and immediately assists upon request, utilizing the HMD and a 360-degree camera.

Primary outcomes

  1. Ultrasound Skill Evaluation Scale

    Time frame: During the education session, approximately 30 minutes

    The composite scores from the evaluation forms will serve as the primary measure of effectiveness. These scores will be based on a standardized evaluation scale titled "Ultrasound Skill Evaluation Scale", which ranges from 0 to 90 points, where higher scores indicate better performance. Scores will be analyzed and compared using statistical tests such as the Student's t-test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test to evaluate skill acquisition differences between groups.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Ultrasound Imaging Duration

    Time frame: During the education session, approximately 30 minutes

    The time taken by participants from the moment they pick up the probe to begin the first image until they press the 'End Exam' button to save the final ultrasound image will be recorded and analyzed. This measure assesses efficiency and speed of learning, with comparison between groups using the Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

  2. Number of Assistance Requests

    Time frame: During the education session, approximately 30 minutes

    The frequency with which participants request help from the supervisor will also be tracked. This measure will help to understand the level of independence and confidence during the ultrasound procedure, as well as to determine if the time taken for the task is affected by these requests.

Other outcomes

  1. NASA-Task Load Index (TLX)

    Time frame: After the training (Traditional and HMD), approximately 1hr

    The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) survey will be used to compare the perceived workload between participants seeking physical assistance and those receiving remote guidance through head-mounted displays (HMDs). Six aspects of workload will be assessed: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration. Scores range from 0 (lowest workload) to 100 (highest workload).

  2. System Usability Scale (SUS)

    Time frame: After the training (Traditional and HMD), approximately 1hr

    Participants will complete the System Usability Scale (SUS) survey based on their experience with the abdominal ultrasound training. The SUS score measures system usability on a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability. The scores will be calculated according to the standard scoring system.

  3. Confidence Assessment

    Time frame: After the training (Traditional and HMD), approximately 1hr

    Pre- and post-training surveys will assess participants' confidence in identifying abdominal organs using ultrasound. Confidence will be rated on a Likert scale from 1 (not confident at all) to 5 (extremely confident). Changes in self-perceived competence before and after training will be analyzed.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Samsung Medical Center

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Feasibility of Tele-education in Ultrasound Training: a Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Dec 15, 2023
Registry last updated
Jan 3, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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