Simulated ultrasound training hikes safety

DETROIT, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say a simulation-based ultrasound course for medical students can improve their skills without compromising patient care or safety.

Researchers at the Center for Simulation, Education and Research, located at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, used mannequins to teach doctors-in-training how to do ultrasound-guided procedures and improve their knowledge, dexterity and confidence for such common tasks as breast, liver or thyroid biopsies and removal of fluid from the body.

"The mannequins allow us to simulate actual ultrasound guided procedures, which offers residents a unique training opportunity prior to working on real patients," said study co-author Dr. John Bonnett, a radiologist at Henry Ford Hospital. "Ultimately, the residents in our study became more proficient and efficient in performing these procedures."

The research will be presented in Chicago this week by study co-author Dr. Mishal Mendirata Lala during the Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting.