Efficiency of Simulation-Based Learning Using an ABC POCUS Protocol on a High-Fidelity Simulator.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Medical Education
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Background:

• Critically ill patients require rapid diagnosis for respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.
• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is valuable in critical care, but optimal educational strategies are debated.
• Anesthesia and intensive care residents need efficient training in POCUS for rapid assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement an educational curriculum for POCUS in critical care settings.
• To assess the effectiveness of a simulation-based medical education (SBME) program using the ABC protocol.
• To evaluate the impact on residents' theoretical knowledge and practical skills in airway, lung, and cardiac ultrasound.

Main Methods:

• Developed a curriculum based on the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) protocol for POCUS.
• Utilized high-fidelity simulation-based medical education sessions for first and second-year anesthesia and intensive care residents.
• Conducted theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate learning outcomes.

Main Results:

• The ABC POCUS curriculum demonstrated statistical improvements in residents' theoretical knowledge.
• Residents achieved above-average results in practical skill assessments after the training.
• The curriculum successfully imparted essential airway, lung, and cardiac ultrasound skills.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ABC POCUS protocol curriculum is effective for teaching critical care ultrasound basics via SBME.
• High-fidelity simulation is a valuable tool for POCUS education in anesthesia and intensive care residents.
• Further research is needed to fully establish the utility of SBME in POCUS for critical patients.