Impact of educational level on medical students’ ability to learn abdominal point-of-care ultrasonography: a pilot study

Abstract Background Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is gaining significant clinical utility; however, limited access to training is a major barrier to its integration into primary care. In this pilot study, we aimed to assess whether educational level influences the ability to acquire skills in performing the abdominal POCUS procedure. Methods In this single-center, prospective, open-label pilot study, 30 medical students (15 undergraduates and 15 residents) participated in a standardized three-step training program consisting of an e-learning module, two simulator-based training sessions, and a practical evaluation. Performance was assessed using an objective structured assessment of technical skills grid and a checklist. The final evaluation scores were compared between the two groups. Results No significant differences in final scores between the undergraduate and resident groups (objective structured assessment of technical skills: 31.9/40 vs. 31.0/40; Checklist: 32.4/41 vs. 32.3/41) were observed. Both groups showed significant reductions in task completion time and probe movement distance, thereby indicating improved procedural efficiency. Conclusions These findings suggest that educational level may not significantly influence the ability to learn an abdominal POCUS procedure when using a standardized training program with an ultrasound simulator. Larger studies are required to assess skill retention, learning curves, and the need for refreshing training. Graphical Abstract