@article{10.22454/FamMed.2023.469019,
author = {Russell, Frances M. and Herbert, Audrey and Lobo, Daniela and Ferre, Robinson and Nti, Benjamin K.},
title = {Evaluation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training for Family Physicians Using Teleultrasound},
journal = {Family Medicine},
volume = {55},
number = {4},
year = {2023},
month = {4},
pages = {263-266},
doi = {10.22454/FamMed.2023.469019},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess family physicians' change in knowledge and ability to perform abdominal aorta ultrasound after implementation of a novel teleultrasound curriculum.
Methods: This was a prospective, observational study conducted at a single academic institution. Family physicians completed a preassessment, test, and objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE). Physicians then individually completed a standard curriculum consisting of online content and an hour-long, hands-on training session on abdominal aorta ultrasound using teleultrasound technology. Physicians then performed a minimum of 10 independent examinations over a period of 8 weeks. After physicians completed the training curriculum and 10 independent scans, we administered a postassessment, test, and OSCE. We analyzed differences between pre- and postcurriculum responses using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Results: Thirteen family physicians completed the curriculum. Comparing pre- to postcurriculum responses, we found significant reductions in barriers to using aorta POCUS and improved confidence in using, obtaining, and interpreting aorta POCUS (P<0.01). Knowledge improved from a median score of 70% to 90% (P<0.01), and OSCE scores improved from a median of 80% to 100% (P=0.012). Overall, 211 aorta ultrasound examinations were independently acquired with a median image quality of 4 (scale 1 to 4).
Conclusions: After an 8-week teleultrasound curriculum, family physicians with minimal experience with POCUS showed improved knowledge and psychomotor skill in abdominal aorta POCUS.},
URL = {https://journals.stfm.org//familymedicine/2023/april/russell-2022-0292/},
eprint = {https://journals.stfm.org//media/5608/russell-292.pdf},
}