Evaluating a learning module for spinal ultrasound skills among residents

Evaluation of the Impact of a Perceptual Learning Module (PLM) on the Sonographic Identification of Spinal Structures by Novice Anesthesiology Residents. A Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital · NCT06533488

This study tests whether a new training program can help anesthesiology residents improve their spinal ultrasound skills by giving some of them immediate feedback on their performance.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorMaisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT06533488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project assesses the effectiveness of a perceptual learning module (PLM) designed to enhance the skills of anesthesiology residents in spinal ultrasound imaging. Participants will first complete a demographic questionnaire and a pre-test to evaluate their initial understanding of spinal sonoanatomy. They will then be randomized into two groups, with one receiving immediate feedback on their performance while the other does not. A post-test will be conducted to measure the improvement in skills after exposure to the PLM, comparing the residents' results to expert-defined benchmarks.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are first to fourth-year anesthesiology residents at the Université de Montréal with limited experience in spinal ultrasound.

Not a fit: Patients who have already performed more than five spinal ultrasounds or those not enrolled in the anesthesiology residency program will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the ultrasound skills of anesthesiology residents, leading to better patient outcomes in spinal anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using a perceptual learning module for spinal ultrasound is novel, similar educational interventions have shown promise in enhancing medical training outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (participants) :

* To be a first, second, third, or fourth-year resident in the anesthesiology program at the Université de Montréal.
* Not having experience in spinal ultrasound (defined as not having performed more than 5 spinal ultrasounds, whether accompanied or not).
* To be familiar with ultrasound.
* Consenting to participate in the study.

Inclusion Criteria (experts) :

\- Having used spinal ultrasound in clinical practice or taught it within the last year.

Exclusion Criteria (participants) :

* Refusal to consent
* Not meeting the inclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Anesthesia Skill, Ultrasound Imaging of Anatomical Structures, Medical Education

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.