A pilot project to study the use of ultrasonography for teaching physical examination to medical students.

The purpose of this study was to study the use of ultrasound as an aid to teaching physical examination. Five medical students were given a 1-week course in ultrasound, and were then assigned to clinical rotations to perform ultrasound and physical examinations on patients. Basic ultrasound skills were assessed by having each student scan the same normal model at the conclusion of the first week and at the conclusion of the project. Clinical cases were presented to a preceptor, and the ultrasound images were graded on a five-point scale. At the end of the first week, the mean grade of ultrasound examinations performed on the control model was 3.2, improving to 4.4 at the end of the project. Grading of ultrasound exams performed during the first clinical week averaged 4.1, improving to 4.5 at the end of the project. An exit survey indicated a favorable response to using ultrasound as an educational tool.