Objective To explore the application value of high-fidelity simulators in the clinical teaching of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).
Methods Residents receiving standardized training who rotated in the Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from November 2023 to November 2024, were selected as the research objects and divided into an experimental group and a control group. Both groups received theoretical and practical skill video learning of 10 key sections of TTE. The experimental group received practical training using high-fidelity simulators, while the control group received training through the traditional mode. After training, the training effects of the two groups were compared through assessment scores and questionnaires.
Results A total of 24 residents were included, with 12 in each group. Before training, there was no statistically significant difference in the theoretical assessment scores between the two groups (P>0.05). After training, the experimental group achieved better results in the practical skills exam than the control group (82.08±5.03 vs. 71.83±0.83), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The residents in the experimental group generally held a positive attitude towards the practicality, simulation effect and teaching effect of the high-fidelity simulators.
Conclusion The high-fidelity simulation teaching method can effectively improve the TTE examination skills of the residents and can be used as a beneficial supplement to traditional teaching.
Please download the PDF version to read the full text:
download
1.Salim N, Shoaib A, Amir MA, et al. Impact of simulation-based training on transesophageal echocardiography learning: a systemic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. Curr Probl Cardiol, 2024, 49(8): 102679. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102679.
2.Zeng Q, Wang K, Liu WX, et al. Efficacy of high-fidelity simulation in advanced life support training: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2023, 23(1): 664. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04654-x.
3.Huang J, Tang Y, Tang J, et al. Educational efficacy of high-fidelity simulation in neonatal resuscitation training: a systematic review and Meta-analysis[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2019, 19(1): 323. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-019-1763-z.
4.Dromey BP, Peebles DM, Stoyanov DV. A systematic review and Meta-analysis of the use of high-fidelity simulation in obstetric ultrasound[J]. Simul Healthc, 2021, 16(1): 52-59. DOI: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000485.
5.Branditz LD, Kendle AP, Leung CG, et al. Bridging the procedures skill gap from medical school to residency: a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum[J]. Med Educ Online, 2024, 29(1): 2412399. DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2024.2412399.
6.Østergaard ML, Rue Nielsen K, Albrecht-Beste E, et al. Simulator training improves ultrasound scanning performance on patients: a randomized controlled trial[J]. Eur Radiol, 2019, 29(6): 3210-3218. DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5923-z.
7.Hempel C, Turton E, Hasheminejad E, et al. Impact of simulator-based training on acquisition of transthoracic echocardiography skills in medical students[J]. Ann Card Anaesth, 2020, 23(3): 293-297. DOI: 10.4103/aca.ACA_51_19.
8.Arango S, Gorbaty B, Buyck D, et al. A free-access online interactive simulator to enhance perioperative transesophageal echocardiography training using a high-fidelity human heart 3D model[J]. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth, 2023, 37(2): 308-313. DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.10.012.
9.Ding K, Chen M, Li P, et al. The effect of simulation of sectional human anatomy using ultrasound on students' learning outcomes and satisfaction in echocardiography education: a pilot randomized controlled trial[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2024, 24(1): 494. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05337-x.
10.Zhou Y, Xie Y, Fan M, et al. Dynamic sequential cross-sectional scanning increases detection rate of congenital heart disease in sonographers: a prenatal ultrasound training program[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2024, 24(1): 1190. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06154-y.
11.Recker F, Neubauer R, Dong Y, et al. Exploring the dynamics of ultrasound training in medical education: current trends, debates, and approaches to didactics and hands-on learning[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2024, 24(1): 1311. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06092-9.
12.Li X, Li H, Zhang H, et al. A novel step-by-step teaching method improves training outcomes in transvaginal ultrasound for postgraduate reproductive medicine students: an exploratory randomized controlled study[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2024, 24(1):1270. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-06257-6.
13.Barth G, Prosch H, Blaivas M, et al. Student ultrasound education, current views and controversies; who should be teaching?[J]. Z Gastroenterol, 2024, 62(10): 1718-1723. DOI: 10.1055/a-2356-7906.
14.Dromey BP, Peebles DM, Stoyanov DV. A systematic review and Meta-analysis of the use of high-fidelity simulation in obstetric ultrasound[J]. Simul Healthc, 2021, 16(1): 52-59. DOI: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000485.
15.Bailey S, Dietrich CF, Matthew J, et al. Simulation in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound training: design and implementation considerations[J]. J Clin Med, 2025, 14(14): 5064. DOI: 10.3390/jcm14145064.
16.Samsel K, Wasiak D, Situ-LaCasse E, et al. Real-time ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture: a comparison of two techniques using simulation[J]. West J Emerg Med, 2025, 26(3): 737-742. DOI: 10.5811/westjem.21163.
17.Pillong L, Sprengart FM, Recker F, et al. Reflecting realities: gauging the pulse of simulator-based training in medical minds-resonance of simulator-based ultrasound training in medical education[J]. BMC Med Educ, 2025, 25(1): 664. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-07198-4.
18.Arango S, Gorbaty B, Buyck D, et al. A free-access online interactive simulator to enhance perioperative transesophageal echocardiography training using a high-fidelity human heart 3D Model[J]. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth, 2023, 37(2): 308-313. DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.10.012.
19.Dietrich CF, Sirli RL, Barth G, et al. Student ultrasound education-current views and controversies[J]. Ultraschall Med, 2024, 45(4): 389-394. DOI: 10.1055/a-2265-1070.
20.Taksøe-Vester C, Dyre L, Schroll J, et al. Simulation-based ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology: a systematic review and Meta-analysis[J]. Ultraschall Med, 2021, 42(6): e42-e54. DOI: 10.1055/a-1300-1680.