Ultrasound simulation versus traditional ultrasound training for general practitioners
Official title: Continuing Education of General Practitioners in Clinical Ultrasound - Ultrasound Simulation or Traditional Ultrasound Training?
Run by Aalborg University · NCT07127588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether training with ultrasound phantoms and simulators helps general practitioners learn point-of-care ultrasound better than training on healthy volunteers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 4, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 4, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07127588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Postgraduate medical doctors specialized in general medicine/family medicine who have access to an ultrasound device and have not previously completed a basic point-of-care ultrasound course are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
GPs who already completed basic POCUS training, lack access to an ultrasound device during the study, or have conflicts of interest are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Twenty-four general practitioners will be randomized into two groups of 12 to receive either simulation-based or traditional volunteer-based ultrasound training. All participants complete e-learning followed by two in-person teaching seminars and supervised practice of five focused examinations (abdominal aortic aneurysm, gallstones, pleural effusion, hydronephrosis, and FAST). Skills will be measured after the course to compare post-course ultrasound proficiency between the two training methods. Training includes hands-on practice at participants' own clinics between course days to mirror real-world conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, simulation-based training could produce higher post-course ultrasound competence among GPs, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care while reducing reliance on healthy volunteers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous educational research indicates simulation and phantom-based training can improve ultrasound skills, but randomized comparisons specifically in general practice settings remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The participant must be a postgraduate medical doctor specialized in general medicine/family medicine (general practitioner). * The participant must have access to an ultrasound device during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * General practitioners who have already participated in a basic point-of-care ultrasound education for general practitioners. * General practitioners with potential conflicts of interest. * Individuals with no signed informed consent to participate.
Where it's running
-
NordSim
Aalborg, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Julie J Strøm
- Email: jrjepsen@dcm.aau.dk
- Phone: 004520869389
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.