Rapid skill acquisition through task-specific ultrasound training for peripheral cannulation in medical students.
6 affiliations
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- 2Department of Anesthesiology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.
- 3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan.
- 4Department of Medical Research, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- 5Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan. [email protected].
- 6International Program in Engineering for Bachelor, Yuan Ze University, Chung-Li, Taiwan. [email protected].
Abstract
Background
Ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral intravenous access is a core procedural competency. However, formal training opportunities for medical students are often limited by short clinical rotations. This study evaluated the feasibility and short-term outcomes of a brief, skill-focused training curriculum in enabling the medical rotating trainees to successfully perform cannulation using US guidance.Methods
In this pilot study, 22 clerks and 8 postgraduate year (PGY) residents participated in a 25-min task-specific training program consisting of an instructional video, live demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice using the Blue phantom US training model and the handheld US device (Vscan air). This curriculum exclusively emphasized the out-of-plane approach with dynamic needle tip positioning method, the use of large-gauge needles, and activation of the on-screen midline to target the vessel center while maintaining a stable probe position. Self-confidence and perceptions on the use of US guidance were assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires on a 10-point ordinal scale. Technical competence was evaluated using a post-training practical assessment.Results
After the training, median self-confidence level increased from 5 to 8, and the willingness to try US-guided cannulation before calling for help increased from 7.5 to 10 (both P < 0.001). All participants successfully completed US-guided cannulation in the simulation model, while PGY residents spent less time than clerks (68.5 vs. 133 s, P = 0.011).Conclusions
A goal-directed US training curriculum using handheld US devices facilitates immediate skill acquisition and improves short-term confidence in novice learners within a limited training timeframe.
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BibTeX
@article{lin2026rapid,
title = {{Rapid skill acquisition through task-specific ultrasound training for peripheral cannulation in medical students.}},
author = {Xu-Nian Lin and Cheng-Wei Lu and Tzu-Yu Lin and San-Fang Chou and Ya-Ying Chang},
journal = {BMC medical education},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1186/s12909-026-09935-9},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894200},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Rapid skill acquisition through task-specific ultrasound training for peripheral cannulation in medical students.
AU - Xu-Nian Lin
AU - Cheng-Wei Lu
AU - Tzu-Yu Lin
AU - San-Fang Chou
AU - Ya-Ying Chang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - BMC medical education
DO - 10.1186/s12909-026-09935-9
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42894200
AB - Background Ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral intravenous access is a core procedural competency. However, formal training opportunities for medical students are often limited by short clinical rotations. This study evaluated the feasibility and short-term outcomes of a brief, skill-focused training curriculum in enabling the medical rotating trainees to successfully perform cannulation using US guidance.Methods In this pilot study, 22 clerks and 8 postgraduate year (PGY) residents participated in a 25-min task-specific training program consisting of an instructional video, live demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice using the Blue phantom US training model and the handheld US device (Vscan air). This curriculum exclusively emphasized the out-of-plane approach with dynamic needle tip positioning method, the use of large-gauge needles, and activation of the on-screen midline to target the vessel center while maintaining a stable probe position. Self-confidence and perceptions on the use of US guidance were assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires on a 10-point ordinal scale. Technical competence was evaluated using a post-training practical assessment.Results After the training, median self-confidence level increased from 5 to 8, and the willingness to try US-guided cannulation before calling for help increased from 7.5 to 10 (both P < 0.001). All participants successfully completed US-guided cannulation in the simulation model, while PGY residents spent less time than clerks (68.5 vs. 133 s, P = 0.011).Conclusions A goal-directed US training curriculum using handheld US devices facilitates immediate skill acquisition and improves short-term confidence in novice learners within a limited training timeframe.
SN - 1472-6920
ER -