Teledidactic versus hands-on teaching of focused assessment with sonography in trauma

Background: Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) is an essential diagnostic tool in trauma care, yet its teaching is often limited by accessibility and resource constraints. TeleFAST, a telemedicine-based training modality, presents a potential scalable alternative, especially in low-resource environments. However, its effectiveness compared with traditional in-person instruction remains insufficiently evaluated. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 sixth-year medical students from Moroccan faculties of medicine, equally assigned to in-person and TeleFAST training groups. Both groups completed the same curriculum, combining theoretical instruction and hands-on practice. Theoretical knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests, practical skills through OSCE evaluations, and image quality based on key FAST views. Learner perceptions were collected via a satisfaction survey. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in theoretical knowledge (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between modalities. Practical skill performance was also comparable. However, in-person training produced superior overall image optimization for the different views (p < 0.001), likely due to equipmentrelated factors. Satisfaction levels were high overall, and 80% of TeleFAST participants endorsed its feasibility despite occasional technical issues. Conclusion: TeleFAST is an effective and scalable alternative to in-person FAST training, yielding similar gains in knowledge and practical skills. Improving technological infrastructure - particularly regarding image qualitymay further enhance its impact, making it a valuable tool for medical education in resource-constrained settings.