Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a prenatal ultrasound course for medical students, focusing on enhancing competencies in fetal sonography through the integration of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. DESIGN: This was a longitudinal study conducted over the winter semester of 2023/24. SETTING: Study took place in a medical education setting, with practical sessions conducted in a clinical environment and theoretical instruction. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: Twenty medical students participated in the course. METHODS: The course was taught by expert faculty and included practical training with live models in real-life conditions, supplemented by online video lectures. The study used Objective Structured Clinical Examinations administered before and after the course, along with multiple-choice questionnaires following each of the six course modules, to assess learning outcomes. Learning success was measured using pre- and post-course OSCE results and MCQ scores. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for OSCE scores and the Spearman correlation test to examine relationships between MCQ results and practical skills. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included the change in OSCE scores and the correlation between MCQ scores and practical skills. RESULTS: Median OSCE scores improved from 18.94% pre-course to 95.45% post-course, indicating significant enhancement in practical skills. However, no significant correlation was found between MCQ and post-course OSCE scores. Students expressed high satisfaction with the course. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates effectiveness of a practice-oriented educational approach in improving medical students' competencies in fetal sonography, providing valuable insights for optimizing future medical curricula in prenatal imaging.