Salmi Andrea1, Lanzani Giovanna2, Campagnola Pietro1, Frulloni Luca1. 1. Department of Medicine Gastroenterology Unit, P.le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy. 2. Radiology-Sonography Unit, STATIC Srl, Via Rodi 73, 25124, Brescia Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We assessed the efficacy of a brief, 8-h teaching program, using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for the use of a pocket ultrasound device (echoscope) focused on bed side diagnosis of subclinical ascites in chronic liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten cirrhotic patients, five with subclinical ascites and five without, were selected during ultrasound examination performed with a high performance equipment for screening of hepatocellular carcinoma. Five post graduate medical doctors residents in Gastroenterology or Internal Medicine underwent a brief, 8-h theoretical and hands-on examinations training. The methodology to assess the correct competence consisted in two phases defined by actions and answers to questions. RESULTS: The evaluation of the technical efficacy was positive in all five students. The diagnostic efficacy for the ten patients examined consisted in no false positive diagnosis of ascites and one false negative. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary experience, the use of a pocket ultrasound device (echoscope) for diagnosis of subclinical ascites in the context of a short structured teaching program and examination was efficient.
INTRODUCTION: We assessed the efficacy of a brief, 8-h teaching program, using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for the use of a pocket ultrasound device (echoscope) focused on bed side diagnosis of subclinical ascites in chronic liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten cirrhotic patients, five with subclinical ascites and five without, were selected during ultrasound examination performed with a high performance equipment for screening of hepatocellular carcinoma. Five post graduate medical doctors residents in Gastroenterology or Internal Medicine underwent a brief, 8-h theoretical and hands-on examinations training. The methodology to assess the correct competence consisted in two phases defined by actions and answers to questions. RESULTS: The evaluation of the technical efficacy was positive in all five students. The diagnostic efficacy for the ten patients examined consisted in no false positive diagnosis of ascites and one false negative. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary experience, the use of a pocket ultrasound device (echoscope) for diagnosis of subclinical ascites in the context of a short structured teaching program and examination was efficient.
Authors: G D'Amico; L Pasta; A Morabito; M D'Amico; M Caltagirone; G Malizia; F Tinè; G Giannuoli; M Traina; G Vizzini; F Politi; A Luca; R Virdone; A Licata; L Pagliaro Journal: Aliment Pharmacol Ther Date: 2014-03-24 Impact factor: 8.171
Authors: Teresita L Angtuaco; Robert H Hopkins; Terry J DuBose; Zoran Bursac; Michael J Angtuaco; Ernest J Ferris Journal: Ultrasound Q Date: 2007-06 Impact factor: 1.657