Integrating web-based and objective structured clinical examination training programs for nurses on ultrasound hip screening during neonatal and infant home visits: a case study
Abstract Background Ultrasound hip screening is crucial for the early detection of developmental dysplasia (DDH), but little is known about standardized training approaches for nurses. This study aimed to evaluate an educational program combining web-based learning and objective structured clinical...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07519-7 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Ultrasound hip screening is crucial for the early detection of developmental dysplasia (DDH), but little is known about standardized training approaches for nurses. This study aimed to evaluate an educational program combining web-based learning and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) training to improve nurses’ knowledge and skills in ultrasound hip screening and DDH prevention during universal neonatal and infant home visits. Methods The program targeted two objectives: (1) to enable nurses to understand the Graf method and acquire standard plane ultrasound images, and (2) to equip them to provide preventive health education on DDH. The intervention included five web-based modules and a two-day OSCE-based hands-on program, supervised by orthopedic pediatric surgeons. Outcomes included (1) knowledge test scores obtained from the web-based modules (range: 0–50 points), (2) OSCE scores (36 items, range: 0–360; global rating ≧3 on a 1–6), including delivery of preventive health education, (3) ability to capture a standard plane image using a phantom within three minutes, and (4) ability to capture a standard plane image with infant volunteers, assessed by medical supervisors. Results Nineteen participants (18 public health nurses and one midwife) from three municipalities completed the program. The mean knowledge test score was 47.2 (SD: 2.2), and the mean OSCE score was 329.3 (SD: 21.7), with a global rating of 4.4 (SD: 0.7). All participants conducted the preventive health education component. Eighteen participants (right hip) and 17 (left hip) successfully captured standard plane images using a phantom within three minutes. In scans of 39 infant volunteers, 34 scans (87.2%) successfully captured the standard plane; participants self-reported 31 as successful, though two were objectively classified as failures. Conclusions The educational program improved nurses’ ultrasound hip-screening skills and their capacity to deliver preventive health education during universal home visits. These findings support the potential feasibility of expanding nurse-led ultrasound screening and DDH prevention efforts in community settings. Trial registration This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry before starting the study (No. UMIN000051929, August 16, 2023). |
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| ISSN: | 1472-6920 |