To propose e-learning methods that address the fundamental problems related to sonographic training in rheumatology.
The project was designed for rheumatologists with strong motivation to learn ultrasound. A modular approach was constructed, consisting of a basic 3-day residential course, followed by a 6-month period of web-based tutoring, and culminating in a final 2-day residential course with a formal assessment of competency.
The website (http://www.e-sonography.com) was accessed by all 60 participants. A mean of 20 (range 10-80) log-on sessions were registered for each participant, and a mean of 250 min (range 60-600 min) of web access was recorded. A total of 163 sonographic images were submitted by 18 (30%) participants. The majority of the images focused on the following anatomical areas: shoulder 49 (30%), hand 34 (21%) and knee 20 (12%). A total time investment of approximately 14 h was made by the US tutors over the 6-month period for interaction with the participants.
The e-learning methods described in this report represent the first attempt to adopt a novel technique to circumvent several of the inherent barriers to the many facets of teaching musculoskeletal ultrasound to a wide audience.