Extrait

Background and study aims Simulation training in transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) leads to skill acquisition and opens up a new era for learning ultrasound skills. The limited opportunities of training offered to trainees lead to insufficient practice in scanning. Several studies have suggested that simulation training provides facilities to trainees to practice and learn freely. In order to improve patient safely and comfort in addition to enhancing trainee confidence, learning ultrasound skills through theory-based, structured-systematic approaches to training on the simulator will shorten the length of training time and enhance the individual’s learning. Therefore, the introduction of simulation training will help to build on the trainee’s sonographic knowledge base and develop important ultrasound skills before they work with real patients. Thus this additional simulation training in a clinical environment would improve trainees’ competency in obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound scanning. Who can participate? The study subjects are recruited primarily from specialist trainees (ST1- ST7 level) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Welsh Deanery, other NHS staff and students of the MSc programme in Cardiff University who fulfil the inclusion criteria. What does the study involve? Subjects are randomly allocated into control and intervention (simulation-supported) learning groups. For the simulation group: trainees are undertaking and completing all tutorials on the simulator and are provided with simulator feedback and continued access during the trial duration. For the non-simulation (control) group: trainees are permitted to accessing the unassessed tutorial/tasks mode before monthly assessment to familiarise themselves with the simulator. At the baseline phase of trial, the simulator is used to assess baseline skills of each subject to test their eligibility to participate. After that, subjects’ skills are re-assessed every month for evaluating acquisition during the trial (within 6 months). During the trial, the intervention group receive structured, self-directed simulation training while the control group are allowed to access (unassessed practice) modules on the simulator with no feedback provided. Both groups are permitted to receive conventional training in the normal way. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Study subjects will receive a detailed report and feedback about their skill assessment. They would be made aware of the skill areas that need further training as well as recognising how their skills have been gradually improved by the simulator (for intervention/simulator group). In the control group, they would be able to access ultrasound-learning material throughout the study and gain access to lectures to build up their basic knowledge of ultrasound. At the end of the trial they would be able to have access to the simulator if required to do so. This research is risk-free as it is a practical training but without involving patients. However, study subjects are advised to observe the general and professional guidelines related to avoidance of repetitive stress and injury during conventional scanning in their clinical settings or while using the simulator. Where is the study run from? The study runs from three training hospitals in Wales, UK University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff Singleton Hospital, Swansea Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham. Sampling selected from different Welsh Deanery training hospitals across North and South Wales, UK. When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in May 2011 and will run until the required number of 60 trainees have been recruited and assessed. Who is funding the study? The research is organised and supervised by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cardiff School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales. The study is funded by a scholarship from Saudi Arabia government. Who is the main contact? Miss Amal Alsalamah (Researcher), [email protected] Professor Nazar Amso, [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Improving ultrasound skills and training competency for trainees

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn