Short summary

Focused lungultrasound (FLUS) is an ultrasonographic examination performed to rule in/rule out acute and life-threatening respiratory problematics. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) could potentially be recognized as a simulation training supplement in aquiring core competences in FLUS.

Rationale

Screen-based Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training has partially been used in order to overcome problems of ultrasound training (random prevelance of specific pathologies and insufficient supervisioin). Screen based VR simulators often consist of a physical phantom and a computer, that generates ultrasound images according to the movement of the ultrasound probe. Such setups, however, often requires several remedies and is resource-heavy pricing up to 90.000 €, thereby making other cheaper and easier accessible VR-simulator options for training sonographic examinations with pathological findings a beneficial alternative. Many of the advocating aspects for screen-based VR simulations training can be recognized within IVR based simulation training, but with greater accessibility and at a lower cost (300 €) making it a beneficial supplement for ultrasound training. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of IVR-training on acquiring basic FLUS competencies.

Description of the cohort

Candidates invited for this project will be individuals studying medicine at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), enrolled at their final semester. This is to ensure participants have as little experience in lung ultra-sound as possible and therefore project the skills of a true novice, while still having adequate clinical knowledge to not confound the test result.

Data and biological material

Participants will after intervention be scored on a FLUS simulation test by a blinded observer. The test is based on 9 cases relevant to FLUS competencies. Points for each case is acquired by determining the correct diagnosis.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Odense Respiratory Research Unit

• Christian B. Lauersen
• Niels Jacobsen
• Casper Falster

Regional center for Technical Simulation

• Anders Bo Nielsen

Denmark and Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES)

• Lars Konge

Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology

• Ole Graumann
• Pia Iben Pietersen
• Rune Jensen