The path to ultrasound proficiency: A systematic review of ultrasound education and training programmes for junior...

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a form of diagnostic ultrasonography, which has a defined role as a clinical adjunct in patient assessment and management. If it is to continue to develop as a core clinical skill, junior medical practitioners and trainees may benefit from dedicated ultrasound education and familiarisation early in their training. Controversy endures, however, as inappropriate use of this highly technical and operator-dependent imaging modality has negative clinical implications.

A systematic review was performed to assess the ability of doctors in training to perform clinically appropriate and beneficial diagnostic ultrasound after undergoing a formal training programme.

Studies meeting pre-defined inclusion criteria were identified in electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PUBMED and through Google Scholar. Methodological quality was assessed using an established series of indicators.

Fifteen studies were included in the review. Ten of these were performed in the United States, and eight focused on emergency medicine trainees. After the teaching intervention, ten studies assessed overall ultrasound capacity by calculating the collective sensitivity and specificity of trainee-performed ultrasound. Five studies used a standardised objective assessment tool to evaluate ultrasound skills and technique. Studies varied in terms of the specific ultrasound use investigated, teaching programmes used and methodological quality. Consistently identified areas for further research included the definition of the trainee learning curve and what constitutes competency in ultrasound.

Ultrasound can feasibly be incorporated into junior medical practitioner training, but more research is required to assess its effectiveness and appropriateness.