Focused Cardiac Ultrasound is Applicable to Internal Medicine and Critical Care but Skill Gaps Currently Limit Use

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS).
• International variations in cardiac disease spectra and available resources impact FoCUS applicability.
• The current use and applicability of FoCUS in Saudi Arabian internal medicine (IM) and critical care medicine (CCM) remain unassessed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability of FoCUS in IM and CCM practice within Saudi Arabia.
• To quantify current resident proficiency, accreditation status, and FoCUS utilization.
• To identify potential training needs and standardization opportunities.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was administered to IM and CCM residents at a Saudi Arabian institution.
• The survey assessed residents' self-reported FoCUS proficiency, training history, regular use, and perceived applicability.
• Data were collected from 110 residents, achieving a 93.2% response rate.

Main Results:

• FoCUS was deemed highly applicable by residents, especially for pericardial effusion, right heart strain, and left ventricular function assessment.
• Internal medicine residents reported poor overall proficiency, with limited postgraduate training and no accreditation.
• Critical care medicine residents demonstrated higher postgraduate training and regular FoCUS use, with some accredited practitioners, though unaccredited practice was common.

Conclusions:

• Focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) is applicable to internal medicine and critical care in Saudi Arabia, but significant skills gaps persist, particularly in IM.
• While CCM residents show greater proficiency, unaccredited practice remains prevalent.
• Similarities to Canadian resident responses suggest potential for international standardization of FoCUS training programs.