Use of a novel anthropomorphic prostate simulator in a prostate brachytherapy transrectal ultrasound imaging workshop for medical physicists. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doyle, Andrea Jane; Cody, Dervil; King, Deirdre M.; Sullivan, Prof Francis J.; Browne, Jacinta E.
• Is Part Of: Physica medica. Volume 95(2022)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Prostate brachytherapy -- Transrectal ultrasound -- Medical physics -- Anthropomorphic training simulator; Medical physics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Imagerie médicale -- Périodiques; Radiothérapie -- Périodiques; Rayons X -- Sécurité -- Mesures -- Périodiques; Physique -- Périodiques; Médecine -- Périodiques; 610.153
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.02.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-1797

Abstract

Highlights: Image guidance is fundamental to low dose rate prostate brachytherapy. Ultrasound imaging training is not required in radiation oncology training. Simulation based training is an effective approach to ultrasound training. Perceived and objective improvement in knowledge after ultrasound training workshop. Potential for interdisciplinary training for the prostate brachytherapy team. Abstract: Purpose: Ultrasound imaging training is not required as part of radiation oncology training programs nor does any objective competency measure exist to independently assess performance. Physical simulation training can provide a structured approach to this training but only if suitably challenging training simulators exist. This study describes the design and preliminary evaluation of a simulation-based transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging training workshop developed for medical physicists involved in low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (PBT). Methods: The study incorporated novel high-fidelity anthropomorphic PBT TRUS training simulators and a TRUS imaging module with a blended-learning pedagogical approach, to address TRUS image optimisation and managing image quality. Results: Results demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge, with an average increase in multiple choice question score of 61% (P < 0.0002), and that there was a 46% (P < 0.0001) average increase in the participants perceived understanding of TRUS scanner operation, and an increase of 36% (P < 0.001) in participants readiness to optimise image quality and mitigate image artefacts. Focus group data explored participants' experiences, perceptions and challenges with TRUS LDR PBT. Conclusions: This study suggests a benefit in offering a simulation training workshop to medical physicists and the potential benefit to other healthcare professionals involved in prostate brachytherapy, by incorporating novel high-fidelity anthropomorphic PBT TRUS training simulators, in a simulated environment to practice ultrasound image optimisation for PBT image guidance. This approach to training would enable competency-based skill acquisition and continued proficiency or health professionals in the TRUS PBT procedure, outside of the surgical environment without direct exposure to patients.