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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 3 of 3 Research Studies DisplayedWilliams JP, Nathanson R, LoPresti CM
Current use, training, and barriers in point-of-care ultrasound in hospital medicine: a national survey of VA hospitals.
This study aimed to characterize current point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use, training needs, and barriers to use among hospital medicine groups (HMGs). This prospective observation study looked at all Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers from August 2019 to March 2020 using a web-based survey sent to all chiefs of HMGs. There was a 90% response rate from 117 HMGs. Procedural POCUS use decreased by 19% from 2015 to 2020 but increased for diagnostic use for cardiac (8%), pulmonary (7%), and abdominal (8%) applications. The most common barrier to POCUS use was lack of training (89%), with only 34% of HMGs having access to POCUS training. Access to ultrasound equipment was the least common barrier at 57%, however with the proportion of HMGs with ≥1 ultrasound machine increasing from 29% to 71% from 2015 to 2020. In 2020 an average of 3.6 ultrasound devices per HMG was available, and 45% were handheld devices.
AHRQ-funded; HS025979.
Citation: Williams JP, Nathanson R, LoPresti CM .
Current use, training, and barriers in point-of-care ultrasound in hospital medicine: a national survey of VA hospitals.
J Hosp Med 2022 Aug;17(8):601-08. doi: 10.1002/jhm.12911..
Keywords: Imaging, Training, Hospitals, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Provider: Clinician
Sheehan FH, McConnaughey S, Freeman R
Formative assessment of performance in diagnostic ultrasound using simulation and quantitative and objective metrics.
The authors of this article describe how they developed simulator-based tools for assessing provider competence in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and vascular duplex scanning. Psychomotor skill in TTE image acquisition was calculated using the deviation angle of an acquired image from the anatomically correct view, and this skill metric applied for formative assessment to evaluate curricula and provide feedback to learners. Psychomotor skill in vascular ultrasound was measured in terms of dexterity and image plane location. The skill metric in the TTE simulator enabled immediate feedback, as well as formative assessment of curriculum efficacy and a comparison of curriculum outcomes. The vascular duplex ultrasound simulator also provided feedback. The authors conclude that skill in acquiring diagnostic ultrasound images of organs and vessels can be measured using simulation in an objective, quantitative, and standardized manner. Simulator-based metrics might also be applied to summative assessment.
AHRQ-funded; HS024219.
Citation: Sheehan FH, McConnaughey S, Freeman R .
Formative assessment of performance in diagnostic ultrasound using simulation and quantitative and objective metrics.
Mil Med 2019 Mar 1;184(Supplement_1):386-91. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usy388.
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Keywords: Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Education: Continuing Medical Education, Imaging, Provider Performance, Training
Thomas GW, Rojas-Murillo S, Hanley JM
Skill assessment in the interpretation of 3D fracture patterns from radiographs.
The researchers determined if 3D radiographic image interpretation can be reliably assessed, and whether this assessment varies by level of training. They concluded that the interpretation of radiographs to discern 3D information is a promising and a relatively unexplored area for surgical skill education and assessment.
AHRQ-funded; HS022077.
Citation: Thomas GW, Rojas-Murillo S, Hanley JM .
Skill assessment in the interpretation of 3D fracture patterns from radiographs.
Iowa Orthop J 2016;36:1-6.
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Keywords: Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Education: Continuing Medical Education, Injuries and Wounds, Imaging, Training