The Design and Evaluation of the Comprehensive Hospitalist Assessment and Mentorship with Portfolios (CHAMP)...

Literature supports the use of point-ofcare ultrasound performed by the treating hospitalist in the diagnosis of common diseases. There is no consensus on the training paradigm or the evaluation of skill retention for hospitalists.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive bedside ultrasound training program with postcourse competency assessments for hospitalists.

A retrospective report of a training program with 53 hospitalists. The program consisted of online modules, a 3-day in-person course, portfolios, 1-day refresher training, monthly scanning, and assessments. Hospitalists were rated by using similar pre- and postcourse competency assessments and self-rating parameters during the 3-day and refresher courses.

A large tertiary-care center.

Skills increased after the 3-day course from a median preassessment score of 15% correct (interquartile range [IQR] 10%-25%) to a median postassessment score of 90% (IQR 80%-95%; P < .0001). At the time of the refresher course, the median precourse skills score had decreased to 65% correct (IQR 35%-90%), which improved to 100% postcourse (IQR 85%-100%; P < .0001). Skills scores decreased significantly less between the post 3-day course assessment and pre 1-day refresher course for hospitalists who completed portfolios (mean decrease 13.6% correct; P < .0001) and/or monthly scanning sessions (mean decrease 7.3% correct; P < .0001) compared with hospitalists who did not complete these items.

A comprehensive longitudinal ultrasound training program including competency assessments improved ultrasound acquisition skills with hospitalists. Skill retention remained high in those who completed portfolios and/or monthly scanning sessions along with a 1-day in-person refresher course.