[Virtual DEGUM-certified course in the head and neck region-a useful complement to conventional course formats?]

Background: Training in clinical ultrasound has become highly relevant for working as an otorhinolaryngologist. While there is a high demand for standardized and certified training courses, until recently, there was no possibility to attend web-based and exclusively virtual head and neck ultrasound courses certified by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin (DEGUM; German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine).
Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the first purely virtual DEGUM-certified head and neck ultrasound courses.
Materials and Methods: In 2021, three purely web-based DEGUM-certified head and neck ultrasound courses were carried out and then qualitatively analyzed using questionnaires including an examination.
Results: The purely virtual implementation of head and neck ultrasound courses proved to be a viable alternative to the conventional course format, with a high level of acceptance among the participants. The lack of practice among the participants remains a relevant criticism.
Conclusion: A more dominant role of web-based and remote ultrasound training is likely and should be considered as an alternative depending on existing conditions. Nevertheless, acquisition of practical sonographic skills remains a major hurdle if courses are purely digital.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)