Assessing the Need for Ultrasound Training in Undergraduate Medical Education

A BSTRACT Context: The integration of ultrasound into medical education has gained considerable attention in recent years. Aims: This study aimed to assess the need for and evaluate the impact of a dedicated ultrasound course on medical students’ knowledge, skills, attitude, and confidence. Settings and Design: A mixed-method study was conducted at Northern Border University in Arar, with a sample of 100 undergraduate medical students from the 4 th , 5 th , and final years, recruited using simple random sampling. Subjects and Methods: A 1-week structured ultrasound program was provided. For the first 3 days, lectures and case discussions were delivered using PowerPoint presentations and online resources, followed by 2 days of hands-on ultrasound practice. Knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence were assessed before and after the course using written and practical assessments, followed by focus group discussions. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square tests were used to determine associations, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data from the focus groups. Results: Prior to the course, 100% of the students reported no prior ultrasound experience. Students showed very poor or poor baseline knowledge of ultrasound principles, with 87% reporting they were unfamiliar with the basics. After the course, knowledge significantly improved, with 61% of students demonstrating good knowledge ( P < 0.05). A significant increase in students’ confidence was also observed ( P < 0.05). All participants (100%) considered ultrasound training to be either “very important” (72%) or “extremely important” (28%) and unanimously recommended its inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum. Qualitative findings highlighted that hands-on exposure was most beneficial, though students recommended longer individual access to machines and training with real patients. Conclusions: Structured ultrasound training significantly enhanced the knowledge, confidence, and attitudes of undergraduate medical students. The findings support the integration of ultrasonography training into the standard medical curriculum.