Simulation-based Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) Curriculum
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is defined as “a diagnostic or procedural guidance ultrasound that is performed by a clinician during a patient encounter to help guide the evaluation and management of the patient.”
A key feature of POCUS is that it is not a replacement to consultative radiology performed ultrasound practice but a focused ultrasound examination usually performed at the bedside of the patient, often in suboptimal conditions and with time limitations. Hence the application is structured to answer a focused clinical question (or set of questions), which can augment clinical care.
The popularity of use of POCUS has been influenced by a newer generation of tailored ultrasound systems: reduction in cost and relative size, improved portability uland quality, ease of use and speedy start-up times.
As some pathology conditions will be seen infrequently, there may be a paucity of trained supervisors and one-to-one supervision is not always possible. Therefore, the use of simulation training is becoming more established. In North America POCUS fellowships are well established to ensure appropriate opportunities for POCUS training are provided.
The Simbionix Ultrasound Mentor is a virtual reality simulator that provides a safe work environment for ultrasound training.
This curriculum includes core POCUS applications, and offers the essential background and simulation assignments required to hone the skills and core competencies of POCUS. The curriculum serves as a framework for Point-of-Care Ultrasound training a wide range of specialties, and includes automated, objective trainee assessment.
Objectives:
- Learn the indications, benefits, and limitations of POCUS
- Gain experience in obtaining and interpreting sonographic images
- Practice anatomical and pathology assessment using POCUS
- Practice sonographic result documentation
- Utilize POCUS to decrease time to diagnosis, decrease procedure complications, and expedite medical care
- Assess trainee competency in POCUS
Specialties:
Medical/surgical nurses, Cardiology, Medical Students, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Trauma, Gastroenterology, Anesthesiology/Nurse Anesthesiologists, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, General Surgery, Pulmonary
Authors:
Dr. Stephan Katzenschlager, Department of Anesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
Dr. Gustav Huber, MBA, Cardiology Consultant, Center for Internal Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Target Audience:
Medical students, nurses, residents, fellows and expert physicians aiming to develop point-of-care ultrasound skills.
Assumptions:
No previous experience in sonographic assessment is required.
Suggested Time Length:
The curriculum should be completed within the first 6 months of residency/fellowship.
Topics Covered:
- Abdominal Ultrasound – Gallbladder, Kidney
- Trauma – eFAST and Lung
- Lung Ultrasound
- Echo – Cardiac
- Echo – Pulmonary
- Echo – Aortic