Nuts and Bolts of a POCUN Program

Abstract

For those that have experienced how much point of care ultrasound can positively impact patient care, the potential of an organized point of care ultrasound program is moderated by the reality of building such a program from scratch. We have watched novice and intermediate users ride the roller coaster of ambition and reality checks at each of the hands-on skills sessions across the nation. The first climb occurs on the morning of Day 1. Anticipation grows over how hard it might be to learn this skill, then peaks and dips into the exhilaration of seeing success with what feels like minimal guidance. A comprehension of attainability takes over, and after each hands-on session, confidence climbs fast. Day 2 begins with the courage of some experience, and the anticipation of more success.

Current opinion in quantitative lung ultrasound for the nephrologist

“…These fellowships were originally focused on emergency medicine but now increasingly internal medicine and even nephrology [44]. In addition to traditional didactics and hands-on learning of clinical ultrasound skills, these programs emphasize the development of research methods and novel approaches to clinical education and are designed to train future thought-leaders [45 ▪ ]. Recent innovations have further facilitated the uptake of ultrasound by reducing costs, particularly through ultraportable devices capable of performing multiple ultrasound roles, employing cheaper technologies like capacitive micromachined ultrasound transmitters.…”

Incorporating Training in POCUS in Nephrology Fellowship Curriculum

“…A 2-day course with a hybrid format and 8 hours of hands-on time is planned at ASN’s Kidney Week this year. One-year POCUS fellowships exist with training in research and education methods as well as POCUS techniques to build the next generation of thought leaders in POCUS in nephrology (10).…”