Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training and Competency Assessment Program for Rheumatology Fellows

• DOI: 10.7863/ultra.32.10.1735
• Publication Date: 2013-09-24T19:44:35Z
• Authors: Eugene Y. Kissin; Jingbo Niu; Peter Balint; David Bong; Amy Evangelisto; Janak Goyal; Jay Higgs; Daniel Malone; Midori J. Nishio; Carlos Pineda; Wolfgang A. Schmidt; Ralf G. Thiele; Karina D. Torralba; Gurjit S. Kaeley
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; 4. Education; Internship and Residency; Guidelines as Topic; United States; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; Professional Competence; 0302 clinical medicine; Rheumatology; Humans; Female; Curriculum; Educational Measurement; Radiology; Musculoskeletal System; Ultrasonography

Objectives The purpose of this study was to establish standards for musculoskeletal ultrasound competency through knowledge and skills testing using criterion‐referenced methods. Methods Two groups rheumatology fellows trained in a standardized curriculum, which required submission studies review over 8 months. Both then completed written practical examinations ultrasound. Instructors, advanced users, intermediate users served as comparison groups. A passing score (competency) established the examination by Angoff procedure borderline method. Results Thirty‐eight (19 each group) took final examination. Five failed examination, 1 whereas none failed. Written scores did not differ between two fellow (74% versus 70%; P > .05), were reliable, able discriminate Practical results correlated both (first group, r = 0.70; .0008; second 0.59; .009). Conclusions Criterion‐referenced methods used first time determine competency. reproducible, could differentiate with different levels experience. Most completing our program passed examinations, suggesting achievement basic