Online Regional Anesthesia Resources - Are They Effective?

Anatomical-based ultrasound imaging has been one of the most rapidly advancing innovations in the field of regional anesthesia in recent years. The proper performance of ultrasound guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) is a useful competency for any anesthesiologist. However, there are some obstacles in regional anesthesia education for trainees. The increasing availability of UGRA related online information may have an important educational value for trainees and consultants. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of using educational material from The New York School of Regional Anesthesia (NYSORA) and Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia (USRA) websites on image acquisition and anatomical interpretation learning process of novice trainees residents performing ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. We hypothesize that the use of those online educational materials will give learners non inferior ability and knowledge for image acquisition and anatomical interpretation of ultrasound image for supraclavicular brachial plexus block, when compared to conventional in person teaching.