Previously funded NOHF project: Ultrasound teaching into pre-clinical medical curriculum
In 2024, Nuffield Oxford Hospitals Fund (NOHF) provided funding to support the integration of ultrasound teaching into pre-clinical medical curriculum at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics.
Mr Samuel Snowdon, Mrs Sharmila Rajendran, Dr Rumyana Smilevska Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Nuffield Oxford Hospitals Fund (NOHF), who provided funding which has allowed the Anatomy teaching team at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) to introduce hand-held ultrasound technology into anatomy teaching.
The funding enabled DPAG’s Anatomy teaching team to purchase a total of 12 Philips Lumify ultrasound probes (linear array, curvi-linear and cardiac probes), allowing the team to deliver a full-range of ultrasound teaching that complements anatomy and radiology education within the pre-clinical medical curriculum. We are also fortunate to collaborate with radiologists within Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) who have played a key role in shaping these sessions and delivering high-quality teaching.
Bridging theory and practice
Oxford’s pre-clinical medical curriculum is increasingly focused on clinical relevance, and ultrasound provides an excellent way to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical practice. This project has enhanced learning by enabling students to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of 3D spatial anatomy of a living patient.
- Engage in interactive, clinically applicable learning that brings anatomy to life.
This project aligns with Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) and Experiential learning theories shifting the learning environment from passive to active, hands-on, student-centred learning. By learning directly from OUH radiologists, students receive guidance on ultrasound techniques, gaining insights into best-practice and real-world applications. This reinforces the role of students and clinical educators within a medical community of practice (CoP) helping to prepare students for future clinical rotations and developing a professional identity.
Results
It is fantastic to see the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students that highlights the impact of these sessions and integrating ultrasound into anatomy education. The combination of interactive, hands-on learning and high-quality teaching has enhanced students’ understanding of anatomical structures while also providing them with valuable clinical skills that can be transferrable in clinical practise. These results mirror feedback from our 2023 pilot study, further reinforcing the value of the sessions and demonstrates the benefits of integrating anatomy and ultrasound teaching.
Thematic analysis revealed that students found these sessions interactive, valuable to the learning and skills development, and beneficial for applying their knowledge and visualisation and spatial understanding of anatomy. They also praised the quality of teaching. Further logistical constraints will be considered for future sessions.
Current and Future plans
Following the success of the pilot, first-year medicine and graduate-entry medicine students now receive ultrasound teaching. The sessions are delivered alongside gross anatomy practicals and radiology seminars, providing an integrated learning experience that reinforces student understanding by allowing them to apply both anatomical and radiological knowledge in a hands-on setting.
Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to offer additional ultrasound workshops to undergraduate students, further enhancing their confidence, skill development and clinical preparedness.
Our sincere gratitude to NOHF for making this project possible and to the MSD administration team and DPAG’s teaching technicians who have been helping us shape the future of anatomy education!