3 Training Benefits of Ob/Gyn Ultrasound Simulation

| Roxanne Blanford

Skilled obstetric ultrasound technicians are in high demand these days.

From the doctor's office and the labor ward, to the delivery room and the unforeseen emergency, the need for highly trained ultrasonographers has never been greater.

Why Are Ultrasonographers in Greater Demand Today?

 

Immersive training in ultrasound techniques had once been restricted to the clinical setting as ultrasound equipment was once cumbersome and expensive. Learners were limited to practicing transducer positioning, scanning and imaging interpretation on actual patients -- with mixed results.

Today, equipment is more portable, compact and cost-effective. The advent of simulation-based medical education (SBME) allows for training to flourish in low-stress, risk-free environments that pose no harm to living patients. Coupled with the expanded use of technology for relatively non-invasive identification and diagnoses, novices can now obtain invaluable exposure to low-frequency, high-risk fetal anomalies through sophisticated, 3D visualization for a more realistic learning experience.

CAE Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator

Validated Merits of Ultrasound Simulation-based Education

 

With ultrasound simulation-based training 

  • learners gain real-time scanning experience and can observe pathologies that they might not otherwise have exposure to

  •  learners can more easily acquire competency in psychomotor, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills and gain confidence more quickly

  • learners demonstrate actual improvement in familiarity with the equipment (this has been shown to be most notable when performing fetal echocardiography)

As outlined above, the cumulative benefits of high-fidelity simulation-based training for obstetric ultrasound confirm and validate its value as a reliable mode of education.

The lack of exposure to actual patients and hands-on experience with low frequency pathologies can be a huge challenge to traditional obstetrical ultrasound training rotations within clinical settings.

CAE Vimedix, on the other hand, is always available to help learners master the skills they need to perform delicate ultrasound procedures with accuracy and competency.


The CAE Vimedix Ob/Gyn ultrasound simulator operates on a manikin/computer-based system which allows a realistic replication of both the psychomotor and cognitive skills needed for effective ultrasound training. With over 50 pathologies and updated, self-directed instructional content, the CAE Vimedix Ob/Gyn trainer additionally allows for Target Cut Plane exercises that provide accurate reference guides and images to aid learners in correct probe positioning. 

Vimedix is Microsoft HoloLens-compatible, for more enhanced practice through augmented reality, giving learners the opportunity to accelerate training with the most innovative, comprehensive and easy-to-use ultrasound simulator of its kind.  

Sources:

Lee W, et.al., Interactive multimedia for prenatal ultrasound training |  Journal: Obstet Gynecol, 1995
Burden, C. et.al., Validation of Virtual Reality Simulation for Obstetric Ultrasonography | Journal: Simulation in Healthcare, 2012

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