Point-of-Care Ultrasound Psychomotor Learning Curves: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in clinical medicine and inclusion in medical training is increasing. Some professional societies recommend that 25-50 POCUS examinations be completed for each application learned; however, the amount of practice required is not well studied. As such, a better understanding of the learning curves of POCUS psychomotor skills is needed. This systematic review characterizes the learning curves for POCUS psychomotor skill acquisition.

With the assistance of a research librarian, the available literature through August 28, 2023, was identified. The titles and abstracts, and then the full text were reviewed by two reviewers to screen for inclusion. All studies included after full-text review then underwent data extraction and analysis.

The search identified 893 unique studies. Forty-five studies underwent full-text review, with 17 meeting full inclusion criteria. Substantial heterogeneity was noted in study design, duration of education, number and type of learners, and methods for statistical analysis. Clear and validated definitions for learning endpoints, such as plateau points or competency, are lacking. Learning curves and endpoints differ for different applications of POCUS.

The results are overall supportive of the recommendations to complete 25-50 examinations per application of POCUS learned. However, specific applications require more practice than others. Certain applications, such as cardiac and the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exams, are closer to 50; while others, such as soft tissue, airway, and eye require no more than 25.