Benefits for the hospitals

Ultrasonographers need to have the skills and experience to acquire appropriate images by manipulation of the ultrasound probe, and to recognise and interpret those images to make a diagnosis. Trainees have to develop a complex mix of cognitive skills and eye-hand movement coordination, which at present is done primarily through hands-on training with ultrasound machines and real patients.

Such training is time and resource intensive, requiring prolonged and repeated patient contact in the clinical setting.

Increasing demand for ultrasound training in many specialties such as obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, urology and emergency medicine has placed considerable pressure on the limited number of qualified tutors, and the constant demand to meet service delivery targets.

MedaPhor’s new ScanTrainer is designed to help relieve this pressure by expediting skills acquisition and increasing trainees’ competency prior to hands-on patient contact through the use of its virtual reality desk-top ultrasound training simulator.

This is achieved without the use of clinical equipment and minimising expert supervision, making ScanTrainer a highly cost-effective training option.

The system can also be used as a quick, practical examination of a new recruits competency, prior to patient contact. Reducing the potential for medical litigation issues.