Equivalence Study Comparing a Cost-Effective PC-Based Ultrasound Training Tool to Traditional Simulators in Third-Year Medical Students

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Cost-Effective PC-Based Tool as a Non-Inferior Alternative to Traditional Ultrasound Simulators in Medical Education

Brief Summary:

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a cost-effective, PC-based ultrasound training tool is as effective as a traditional, medium-cost ultrasound simulator for teaching third-year medical students thoracic and abdominal ultrasound skills. This study focuses on improving access to high-quality ultrasound training in educational settings with limited resources. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does the PC-based tool help participants improve their ability to optimize ultrasound images in a way comparable to the traditional simulator?
2. Can participants using the PC-based tool identify and interpret pathological conditions with the same accuracy as those using the traditional simulator?

Participants are third-year medical students enrolled in a structured internship. They will:

1. Watch educational videos covering key concepts in thoracic and abdominal ultrasound imaging.
2. Rotate through training stations where they will practice using either the PC-based tool or the traditional simulator.
3. Perform hands-on exercises with healthy volunteers to practice image acquisition and recognition of anatomical structures.
4. Complete pre- and post-training assessments to measure their progress in skills such as image optimization and identifying pathological conditions.

This study aims to explore whether a low-cost digital solution can provide equal educational value, offering a practical alternative to traditional simulators in resource-limited settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Third-year medical students enrolled in the "Approach to Ultrasound" internship.
• Participants who have completed the preliminary blended learning videos on thoracic and abdominal ultrasound techniques.
• Participants with or without prior minimal experience in using an ultrasound probe, provided they have not undergone formal specialized ultrasound training.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to attend all training sessions and assessments as per the study schedule.
• Physical or medical conditions that limit the ability to perform hands-on ultrasound practice (e.g., musculoskeletal injuries).
• Refusal to provide informed consent.