Point of care ultrasound for all by all: A multidisciplinary survey across a large quaternary care medical system

J Clin Ultrasound. 2020 Oct;48(8):443-451. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22894. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

Purpose: We sought to understand current POCUS practices and comfort as well as assess opinions about POCUS across our medical system via a survey to guide program development.

Methods: This study was conducted as a 19 question RedCap survey with multiple parts. Respondents were queried for demographics as well as experience with, attitudes toward, and clinical use of POCUS in common critical care scenarios.

Results: The survey was completed by 343 individuals, a response rate of 30%. Most respondents "agreed" that POCUS is a needed skill and helped them provide safer care (78% and 86% agreement). Most faculty and trainees reported some POCUS training (62% and 88%) and at least weekly use. Trainees rated themselves more comfortable than faculty for most exam types. The majority of faculty rated their POCUS education as inadequate while trainees had mixed responses.

Conclusions: POCUS is a frequently used tool, yet users are less confident in their skills than expected. POCUS applications are viewed as needed for future practice but there is a substantial need for improved education among faculty and trainees. Pooling resources and sharing educational initiatives across multiple specialties may help improve POCUS implementation.

Keywords: POCUS; barriers; education; quaternary medical center; survey.

MeSH terms

  • Critical Care
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Point-of-Care Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Ultrasonography / statistics & numerical data*