Abu-Zidan Fikri M, Abu-Zidan Yousef F, Cevik Arif Alper
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Statistical Consultant, World Society of Emergency Surgery, Bologna, Italy.
World J Emerg Surg. 2025 Jul 25;20(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s13017-025-00637-z.
To develop and evaluate a practical, low-cost ultrasound training simulator for teaching basic ultrasound physics and knobology, including probe orientation, tissue impedance, essential hand movements, and recognizing image artifacts while observing scanned objects.
The simulator consists of (1) one complete lemon, (2) half a lemon, (3) half a kiwi fruit, and (4) an avocado pit. These objects were secured inside a plastic box using screws, nails and double-sided foam tape, after which the box was filled with water. The estimated total cost was less than 15 US dollars. The simulator was prospectively tested to teach basic ultrasound physics during the period of 4th January 2021 till 14th October 2021 on 59 undergraduate junior surgical clerkship students, who had no prior exposure to ultrasound. Quantitative feedback was collected through a Likert-scale questionnaire evaluating educational value, skill acquisition, and user satisfaction. Qualitative data were obtained from open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative responses, while inductive thematic analysis was applied to qualitative comments.
58 students filled the questionnaire (response rate of 98.3%), 57 of them (98.3%) recommended the simulator to peers, and all assessed items received the highest median rating (5 out of 5), including items assessing conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and enjoyment. Thematic analysis provided three major themes: Learning Enhancement, Engagement and Motivation, and Training Limitations. Students reported improved understanding of ultrasound physics, artifact recognition, and probe handling. The simulator was described as engaging and enjoyable, promoting self-directed learning. However, students noted limitations related to session duration, realism, and the need for additional practice opportunities.
The proposed low-cost ultrasound simulator was highly rated for its educational value and engagement potential. Qualitative insights complemented these findings by revealing strong learner enthusiasm. Expanding session duration and increasing clinical fidelity may further enhance its utility.
开发并评估一种实用、低成本的超声训练模拟器，用于教授基本超声物理知识和操作技能，包括探头定位、组织阻抗、基本手部动作，以及在观察扫描对象时识别图像伪像。
该模拟器由（1）一个完整的柠檬、（2）半个柠檬、（3）半个奇异果和（4）一个鳄梨核组成。这些物体用螺丝、钉子和双面泡沫胶带固定在一个塑料盒内，然后在盒中装满水。估计总成本不到15美元。在2021年1月4日至2021年10月14日期间，对59名此前未接触过超声的本科初级外科实习学生进行了前瞻性测试，使用该模拟器教授基本超声物理知识。通过李克特量表问卷收集定量反馈，评估教育价值、技能获取和用户满意度。定性数据来自开放式问题。定量回答采用描述性统计，而定性评论采用归纳主题分析。
58名学生填写了问卷（回复率为98.3%），其中57名（98.3%）向同伴推荐了该模拟器，所有评估项目的中位数评分均为最高（5分制中的5分），包括评估概念理解、操作技能和趣味性的项目。主题分析得出三个主要主题：学习增强、参与度和动机，以及训练局限性。学生们报告说对超声物理知识、伪像识别和探头操作的理解有所提高。该模拟器被描述为引人入胜且有趣，促进了自主学习。然而，学生们指出了与课程时长、逼真度以及需要更多练习机会相关的局限性。
所提出的低成本超声模拟器因其教育价值和参与潜力而获得高度评价。定性见解通过揭示学习者的强烈热情补充了这些发现。延长课程时长并提高临床逼真度可能会进一步增强其效用。
