Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Internal Medicine: A National Survey of Educational Leadership

Overview

Journal J Grad Med Educ

Date 2014 Jan 10

PMID 24404317

Citations 53

Authors

Daniel J Schnobrich

Sophie Gladding

Andrew P J Olson

Alisa Duran-Nelson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound is a valuable tool in the safe performance of an increasing number of procedures. It has additionally emerged as a powerful instrument for point-of-care assessment by offering internists an opportunity to extend their traditional physical examination.

Objective: This study explored how internal medicine (IM) educators perceive the use of ultrasound for procedures and point-of-care assessments, the extent to which curricula for teaching IM residents ultrasound skills exist, and perceived barriers to teaching its use.

Methods: In February 2012, we administered a 27-question survey to all members of the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, eliciting their opinions about the use of point-of-care ultrasound.

Results: Of 2200 surveys distributed electronically, 234 were returned (a 11% response rate), including 167 by program directors or assistant program directors. Respondents highly rated the usefulness of ultrasound for central-line placement, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and diagnosis of pleural effusions. Evaluation of vena cava and heart, and placement of radial artery catheters received somewhat lower usefulness scores. Forty-five respondents (25%) reported having formal curricula to teach point-of-care ultrasound, and 46 respondents without current ultrasound programs were planning to initiate them in the next 12 months. Potential barriers to teaching and use of ultrasound included the time and cost to train faculty, the cost of ultrasound machines, and the time required to train residents.

Conclusions: Educational leaders in IM view point-of-care ultrasound as a valuable tool in diagnosis and procedures, and many residency programs are teaching these skills to their learners.

Citing Articles

The design, performance and organizational impact of a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) elective for internal medicine residents.

Kuperstein H, Alam W, Paroya A, Patel K, Ahmad S BMC Med Educ. 2025; 25(1):261.

PMID: 39966831 PMC: 11834687. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-025-06802-x.

Just In Time! Assessment of Internal Medicine Resident Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Attitudes and Behaviors After Spaced Intervention at Two Residency Programs.

Piro K, Carney P, Smith C POCUS J. 2024; 9(2):93-101.

PMID: 39634691 PMC: 11616801. DOI: 10.24908/pocus.v9i2.17635.

Knowledge and Confidence Among Five Cohorts of Faculty Learners in a Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Program: Factors Defining Learner Success.

Janjigian M, Dembitzer A, Holmes I, Srisarajivakul Klein C, Hardowar K, Sauthoff H POCUS J. 2024; 9(2):109-116.

PMID: 39634690 PMC: 11616799. DOI: 10.24908/pocus.v9i2.17640.

A Role for Clinical Anatomists in Ultrasound Education.

Mason N, Liu Y, Liu R Med Sci Educ. 2024; 34(5):1185-1188.

PMID: 39450009 PMC: 11496483. DOI: 10.1007/s40670-024-02081-1.

Relative Value of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Person Specification of UK Consultant Job Advertisements Across Multiple Acute Specialties.

Akhtar M Cureus. 2024; 16(7):e64862.

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