Is There a Relationship Between Ultrasound Scanning Ability (Sonography) and Visuospatial Perception or Psychomotor Ability?

Abstract

Competent sonography includes a unique combination of visuospatial perception and psychomotor skills not yet identified. Little is known about the relationship between these two abilities and scanning ability and this feasibility study explores possible relationships. A sample of thirty experienced sonographers and thirty trainees before and after training were administered five visuospatial perception tests, two psychomotor tests and an Obstetric Structured Assessment Test (OSAT) to asses scanning ability. The two psychomotor tests employed were the Perdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and Zig Zag Tracking (ZZT) test. The PPT measured dexterity for gross movement of arms, hands, and fingers and fingertip dexterity. The ZZT measured hand to eye coordination or speed and accuracy of hand movement.

No significant relationship between trainees’ visuospatial ability or psychomotor abilities and scanning abilities were found. The results for visuospatial perception tests suggested that the Snow Pictures Test, Surface Development Test and Gestalt Completion Test were influenced by sonography training so they were not measuring innate skills. However, the Mental Rotation and Abstract Reasoning Tests scores were not influenced by training therefore they measured the innate skills of sonographers and therefore may be useful in selection processes for admission to training programs or, to identify those trainees who may benefit from more intense training and support. However abilities require further investigation.

The ranges of scores for each of the eight tests for the profession of sonography were established. The range of scores for sonographers for the PPT and ZZT gave a measure of dexterity for gross movement of arms, hands, and fingers and fingertip dexterity for this particular group adding to the current body of knowledge in this area. Performance on the OSAT pre-training may give an indication of post training scanning performance so this may be a useful tool for initial assessment of potential trainees but, further studies with a larger sample would be required before this could be endorsed, validated or implemented.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Glasgow Caledonian University
Supervisor	Helen Gallagher (Supervisor) & Suzanne Hagen (Supervisor)