Training Programs for Thyroid Biopsy and Ablation: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the structure, components, and outcomes of educational programs designed to train clinicians in thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) and ablative procedures.

Methods: A systematic review of 5 databases was conducted for studies published from 2000 through April 2025 evaluating training interventions for thyroid FNA or ablative techniques. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias for all eligible studies.

Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria: nine addressed FNA training, and one addressed radiofrequency ablation (RFA). All studies were rated at moderate to high risk of bias. Common instructional components included didactic sessions (n = 5), hands-on simulation (n = 9), supervised clinical experience (n = 4), and multimodal approaches (n = 7). Simulation models varied in complexity, including food-based models, cadavers, and 3D-printed phantoms. Reported educational outcomes included improved learner confidence and perceived realism (reaction outcomes); enhanced accuracy, procedural speed, and knowledge (learning outcomes); and improvements in biopsy adequacy, malignant diagnostic yield, and procedural wait times (clinical outcomes). The single RFA study demonstrated a median nodule volume reduction of 82% at 12 months following simulation-based and supervised training.

Conclusion: Structured, multimodal training programs in thyroid FNA and RFA improve both learner performance and clinical outcomes. These findings support the integration of simulation-based learning and supervised procedural experience into thyroid intervention training.