Short summary

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is an ultrasonographic examination performed on trauma patients to detect internal bleedings following traumatic injuries. More specifically, FAST is used to detect pericardial effusion and intraperitoneal fluid. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) could potentially be recognized as a simulation training supplement in aquiring core competencies in FAST.

Rationale

Screen-based Virtual Reality (VR) simulation training has partially been used to overcome problems of ultrasound training in the clinic (random prevelance of specific pathologies and insufficient supervision). Screen based VR simulators often consist of a physical phantom and a computer generating ultrasound images according to the movement of the ultrasound probe. Such setups, however, often requires several remedies and is resource-heavy pricing. Cheaper and easier accessible VR-simulator options for training sonographic examinations with pathological findings are a beneficial alternative. Immersive VR (IVR) simulation training using head mounted displays and handheld controllers holds many of the same educational advantages as screen-based VR simulation training but is easier accessible and comes at a lower cost, making IVR a beneficial supplement for ultrasound training. The primary aim of this study is to assess the if training FAST in IVR is non-inferior to training FAST on an SBH seminar in terms of acquiring basic FAST competencies.

Description of the cohort

Candidates invited for this project will be individuals studying medicine at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), enrolled at the final 3 semesters as well as junior doctors in their first year after graduation (KBU). This is to ensure participants have as little experience in FAST ultrasound as possible and represents true novices, while still having adequate clinical knowledge.

Data and biological material

Participants will after intervention be scored on a FAST simulation test by an observer. The test is based on 5 cases relevant to FAST competencies. Points for each case is acquired by determining the correct diagnosis.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Research and Innovation Unit of Radiology

• Ole Graumann
• Pia Iben Pietersen
• Rune Jensen
• Sarah Stougaard
• Jonas Dragsbæk Jepsen

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

• Lars Konge

Odense Respiratory Research Unit

• Casper Falster
• Christian B. Laursen

Regional center for Technical Simulation

• Anders Bo Nielsen

Department of Emergency Medicine, OUH, Denmark

• Stefan Posth