A BSTRACT Context: The integration of ultrasound into medical education has gained considerable attention in recent years. Aims: This study aimed to assess the need for and evaluate the impact of a dedicated ultrasound course on medical students’ knowledge, skills, attitude, and confidence. Settings and Design: A mixed-method study was conducted at Northern Border University in Arar, with a sample of 100 undergraduate medical students from the 4 th , 5 th , and final years, recruited using simple random sampling. Subjects and Methods: A 1-week structured ultrasound program was provided. For the first 3 days, lectures and case discussions were delivered using PowerPoint presentations and online resources, followed by 2 days of hands-on ultrasound practice. Knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence were assessed before and after the course using written and practical assessments, followed by focus group discussions. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square tests were used to determine associations, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data from the focus groups. Results: Prior to the course, 100% of the students reported no prior ultrasound experience. Students showed very poor or poor baseline knowledge of ultrasound principles, with 87% reporting they were unfamiliar with the basics. After the course, knowledge significantly improved, with 61% of students demonstrating good knowledge ( P < 0.05). A significant increase in students’ confidence was also observed ( P < 0.05). All participants (100%) considered ultrasound training to be either “very important” (72%) or “extremely important” (28%) and unanimously recommended its inclusion in the undergraduate curriculum. Qualitative findings highlighted that hands-on exposure was most beneficial, though students recommended longer individual access to machines and training with real patients. Conclusions: Structured ultrasound training significantly enhanced the knowledge, confidence, and attitudes of undergraduate medical students. The findings support the integration of ultrasonography training into the standard medical curriculum.
Bhatti et al. (Thu,) studied this question.