The Predictive Value of Ultrasound Learning Curves Across Simulated and Clinical Settings

Objectives The aim of the study was to explore whether learning curves on a virtual‐reality (VR) sonographic simulator can be used to predict subsequent learning curves on a physical mannequin and learning curves during clinical training. Methods Twenty midwives completed a simulation‐based training program in transvaginal sonography. The training was conducted on a VR simulator as well as on a physical mannequin. A subgroup of 6 participants underwent subsequent clinical training. During each of the 3 steps, the participants' performance was assessed using instruments with established validity evidence, and they advanced to the next level only after attaining predefined levels of performance. The number of repetitions and time needed to achieve predefined performance levels were recorded along with the performance scores in each setting. Finally, the outcomes were correlated across settings. Results A good correlation was found between time needed to achieve predefined performance levels on the VR simulator and the physical mannequin (Pearson correlation coefficient .78; P