Using a Flipped Classroom to Compare 2 Ultrasonography Operating Methods to Improve Practice in Ultrasound Detection Acupuncture.

Objective: Ultrasound (US) detection acupuncture (UDA) is an innovative acupuncture technique that uses ultrasonography (USG) to detect the depth of the lung before performing acupuncture on the points around the chest to avoid puncturing the lungs. For acupuncturists to use UDA appropriately, it is crucial to have a good operating method to identify the pleura with USG. This study compared 2 US operating methods through active learning in a "flipped classroom" setting for acupuncture students.

Materials and methods: Students and interns were recruited to complete the UDA flipped classroom course and evaluate the operations of 2 US methods on either of 2 simulation models: (1) a single B-mode or (2) a combined M-mode + B-mode. Participants were interviewed and satisfaction surveys were administered to obtain feedback.

Results: A total of 37 participants completed the course and evaluations. The combined mode had better measurement accuracy, acupuncture safety, and operating time (P < 0.05), and no pneumothoraxes occurred. Among both participant groups, the combined mode allowed the student group to learn quickly and the intern group to become more proficient. Both interviews and satisfaction surveys yielded positive feedback.

Conclusions: Using a combined mode for UDA can improve its performance greatly. The combined mode is definitely helpful for learning and promotion of UDA.