Introduction of a student tutor-based basic obstetrical ultrasound screening in undergraduate medical education

Abstract

Background While there is an increasing interest in incorporating ultrasound in undergraduate medical education and the use of student tutors in conveying this medical skill to assist faculty members, little is known about undergraduate ultrasound teaching in obstetrics and gynecology. Methods After a 3 week training of the student tutors, the student tutors joined an undergraduate ultrasound educational program to teach practical round students. After being certifed, the student tutors organized a pre-test, gave a presentation about ultrasound, and then supervised the hands on ultrasound course under faculty staf supervision for round students. Finally, the practical round students had to answer a post-test with image recognition. The practical round students had to evaluate the course using a Likert scale. Results 111 students joined this ultrasound course. The objective theoretical and practical multiple-choice questions’ (MCQ) test showed a statistically signifcant improvement (50 vs. 90%, p<0.05). The practical round students expressed a high acceptance (Likert 1.7) and subjective medical skill learning (Likert 1.8). The students also positively graded the student tutors (Likert 1.3). Conclusion Student tutor-based undergraduate obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound course is a useful method to teach a medical skill and is well accepted by students.