Application of a new adaptable thyroid model for ultrasound and hands-on skill assessment
Kwan, C.; Cohen, E.; Pugh, C.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics 196: 230-232
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-8365 PMID: 24732512 Document Number: 672653
The thyroid exam is an important clinical skill that is widely practiced by both primary care and specialty physicians. Despite this, there are few teaching models that allow for practice and assessment of proper examination technique. We developed a sensorized thyroid exam model and accompanying survey to capture clinical decision making and hands-on performance. Two endocrinologists performed the thyroid exam on the models. There was verbal consensus on clinical findings; however estimates on thyroid properties and size differed. Additional experiments with an ultrasound provided feedback on use of the model for hands-on and ultrasound-based examinations.