Srikumaran Selvarajah, Paramjeet Deol

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to gain an understanding of current PoCUS competencies within the emergency department and identify training needs.

INTRODUCTION

Point of care ultrasonography (PoCUS) has revolutionised the way in which we manage the critically unwell patient.

Whilst the recognition of its importance has led to its inclusion in higher specialty training curricula, PoCUS training may have failed to keep up with this growth.

This study was performed to gain an understanding of current PoCUS competencies within the emergency department and identify training needs.

METHODS

A survey of 100 emergency medicine doctors within a London district general hospital was conducted.

It focused on their PoCUS training, current practice and training wishes.

RESULTS

Formal PoCUS training increases with clinical seniority and senior trainees are more likely to use PoCUS in their clinical practice.

PoCUS for vascular access, FAST/AAA is more common than echo / lung ultrasound in the emergency department.

There is a large appetite for PoCUS training amongst all emergency medicine trainees

CONCLUSION

Whilst senior emergency medicine trainees have access to formal PoCUS training, junior trainees fail to access training despite a desire to learn.

Echo and lung ultrasound is not as commonly practiced, whilst its training is most sought after. This fits with the relatively new uptake of echocardiography in the emergency setting.

As the number of trainers increase there should be better access to teaching for trainees. We have since introduced a PoCUS training programme for those working within the emergency department, to both aid access to formal training and be signed off for PoCUS competencies.

If PoCUS is to keep up with the increased appetite, robust training must be in place to govern its use.