An innovative hybrid training method for ultrasound in giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and large vessel vasculitis (preprint)

To circumvent the lack of hands-on ultrasound training resulting from inability to conduct face-to-face workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as local expertise was not available, we developed a novel hybrid method combining virtual and physical training. The objective was to achieve appropriate expertise in ultrasound for the safe and accurate diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and large vessel vasculitis. To evaluate the effectiveness of training, competency assessment was conducted using the hybrid platform.