SonoGame – more than just a game: Evaluation of an ultrasound training platform

Abstract

Purpose

Ultrasound examination is a vital imaging tool in medicine, yet opportunities for comprehensive theoretical and practical training during medical education are limited. Effective ultrasound education requires both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. To address this, we developed SonoGame, a gamified platform designed to teach ultrasound skills to medical students. SonoGame provides a step-by-step introduction to ultrasound imaging and aims to improve skills such as image orientation, spatial visualization, and hand-eye-coordination through mini-games using geometric objects. This study evaluates the impact of SonoGame training on ultrasound skills.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective, single-center study, 56 medical students, the majority of whom had no prior ultrasound experience, were randomly assigned to either a control group or a SonoGame group. The SonoGame group trained with the platform in four 30-minute sessions over 4 weeks, while the control group received no training. Ultrasound skills were assessed in both groups before and after the training period.

Results

The SonoGame group showed significant improvement in ultrasound skills, particularly with complex anatomical structures, compared to the control group. Participants in the SonoGame group also reported increased familiarity and confidence with sonography, viewing SonoGame as a valuable tool in their training.

Conclusion

SonoGame is an effective supplement to conventional ultrasound education, enhancing the skills necessary for ultrasound examinations in medical students.

Zusammenfassung

Fragestellung

Die Ultraschall-Untersuchung ist ein zentrales bildgebendes Verfahren in der Medizin, doch fehlen oft flächendeckende Übungsmöglichkeiten während der Ausbildung. Neben theoretischem Wissen sind praxisnahe Hands-On-Übungen für den Erwerb von Ultraschall-Fähigkeiten unerlässlich. SonoGame, eine gamifizierte Lernplattform, wurde entwickelt, um Medizinstudierenden diese Fähigkeiten schrittweise zu vermitteln. SonoGame zielt darauf ab, die Orientierung im Ultraschallbild, die räumliche Vorstellungskraft und die Hand-Auge-Koordination durch spielerische Übungen mit geometrischen Objekten zu verbessern. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirksamkeit von SonoGame in der Ultraschall-Ausbildung zu bewerten.

Materialien und Methodik

In dieser prospektiven, unizentrischen Studie wurden 56 Medizinstudierende überwiegend ohne praktische und berufliche Ultraschall-Erfahrung randomisiert in eine Kontroll- und eine SonoGame-Gruppe eingeteilt. Die SonoGame-Gruppe nutzte die Plattform 4 Wochen lang in 4 Trainingseinheiten à 30 Minuten, während die Kontrollgruppe kein Training erhielt. Die Ultraschall-Fähigkeiten beider Gruppen wurden vor und nach dem Trainingszeitraum bewertet.

Ergebnisse

Die SonoGame-Gruppe zeigte im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe eine signifikante Verbesserung der Ultraschall-Fähigkeiten, insbesondere bei komplexen anatomischen Strukturen. Zudem berichteten die Teilnehmenden der SonoGame-Gruppe von einer erhöhten Vertrautheit und Sicherheit im Umgang mit der Sonografie.

Zusammenfassung

SonoGame ist eine wertvolle Ergänzung zur traditionellen Ultraschall-Ausbildung und unterstützt die Entwicklung wichtiger Ultraschall-Fähigkeiten bei Medizinstudierenden.

Keywords

ultrasound education - sonography - medical education - gamification - skills lab

Publication History

Received: 17 August 2024

Accepted after revision: 03 June 2025

Article published online:
04 February 2026

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