An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Introduction of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in an Urban Academic Primary Care Center

Abstract

IntroductionLimited guidance exists for primary and urgent care ultrasound applications. This study sought to identify the most useful applications for providers in these clinical settings, to create and implement a structured interdisciplinary point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum, and to assess the effectiveness of the course. MethodsThis prospective cohort study took place at an urban academic medical center. After a needs-based assessment of ultrasound applications in primary and urgent care, the Emergency Medicine ultrasound faculty and fellows were paired with a primary or urgent care provider (N = 6). The pairings met for scanning sessions in the emergency department to practice image acquisition, documentation, and incorporation of ultrasound into the workflow. Participants were given POCUS pre-work to review before each session. The final bedside session included a formal Objective Standard Clinical Examination (OSCE) to assess learner proficiency to be cleared for independent imaging. The program was assessed using pre-and post-training surveys. ResultsThe survey results demonstrated that renal, gallbladder, and soft tissue scans were the most interesting and useful to primary and urgent care providers after completion of the training course. ConclusionThe course was effective, and efficient, simple, high-yield POCUS applications should be included in future programs and organizational guidelines for primary and urgent care POCUS education.