BACKGROUND: Ultrasound for the evaluation of pneumothoraces has been extensively studied. Several medical specialties have recognized the benefit of this technique; however, a training model has not been established. OBJECTIVE: Using a porcine model, we attempt to establish a model for the training of ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothoraces. METHODS: Two pigs were anesthetized on two separate occasions. A pneumothorax was introduced each time. Participants were blinded to the study design and were not aware of the number of pneumothoraces present. A brief training lecture was given before performing the ultrasound, and the results of each lung examination were recorded. The data were collected and analyzed for the accuracy of assessment. RESULTS: A total of 18 individuals participated in the study, with six individuals participating on both days. Ninety-six lung ultrasound examinations were completed; 69% of the lung examinations were correctly diagnosed on the first day and 94% on the second. Participants correctly diagnosed a pneumothorax 50% of the time at the first laboratory and 100% of the time at the second. Participants who attended both laboratories increased their ability to diagnose a pneumothorax from 66% to 100%. CONCLUSION: We believe this porcine model can be used for the training of ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothoraces. Participants who completed two training sessions improved their accuracy from 66% to 100% in the diagnosis of pneumothoraces. Study participants rated the educational experience highly on a post-laboratory questionnaire, and feel they will be more comfortable using it in a real-life situation.
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound for the evaluation of pneumothoraces has been extensively studied. Several medical specialties have recognized the benefit of this technique; however, a training model has not been established. OBJECTIVE: Using a porcine model, we attempt to establish a model for the training of ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothoraces. METHODS: Two pigs were anesthetized on two separate occasions. A pneumothorax was introduced each time. Participants were blinded to the study design and were not aware of the number of pneumothoraces present. A brief training lecture was given before performing the ultrasound, and the results of each lung examination were recorded. The data were collected and analyzed for the accuracy of assessment. RESULTS: A total of 18 individuals participated in the study, with six individuals participating on both days. Ninety-six lung ultrasound examinations were completed; 69% of the lung examinations were correctly diagnosed on the first day and 94% on the second. Participants correctly diagnosed a pneumothorax 50% of the time at the first laboratory and 100% of the time at the second. Participants who attended both laboratories increased their ability to diagnose a pneumothorax from 66% to 100%. CONCLUSION: We believe this porcine model can be used for the training of ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothoraces. Participants who completed two training sessions improved their accuracy from 66% to 100% in the diagnosis of pneumothoraces. Study participants rated the educational experience highly on a post-laboratory questionnaire, and feel they will be more comfortable using it in a real-life situation.
Authors: Leila L PoSaw; Brandon M Wubben; Nicholas Bertucci; Gregory A Bell; Heather Healy; Sangil Lee Journal: J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open Date: 2021-06-14