Comparison of Lecture-based and CD-based Ultrasound and FAST Training for Medical Interns in Emergency Wards

Background: Various training methods such as lecture-based and media-aided methods are employed to train focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) technique during internship period. The current study aimed at comparing the efficacy of lecture-based and CD-based approaches among medical interns in emergency wards. Methods: The current comparative study was conducted on 128 interns randomly assigned into two training groups. The first group (n = 64) was trained through a one-hour training program based on CD in a single session, and the other group (n = 64) was trained through a one-hour face-to-face slide-based session. Before and immediately after the training sessions, the participants were asked to answer the questions about the FAST technique. Also, the questionnaires were emailed to the participants one month later. Results: The mean assessment score was significantly higher in the group trained through the lecture-based method compared with the ones trained with the CD-based method immediately (P <0.001) and one month (P = 0.003) after training. With regard to practical training, the subjects trained through the lecture-based method achieved higher assessment scores than the ones trained through the CD-based method (P = 0.042). A significant increase in the mean assessment score was noted immediately after training (P = 0.023), while a significant reduction in the mean score was found one month after training (P = 0.015) in both groups. Conclusion: The use of the lecture-based approach for FAST training was more effective than the CD-based approach among emergency ward interns.