Characterizing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Credentialing in Pediatric Emergency Departments

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Education
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly utilized in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs).
• Formalized POCUS credentialing processes are essential for ensuring quality and competency.
• Current POCUS credentialing practices in PEDs are not well-documented or standardized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe formalized POCUS credentialing processes in PEDs within the pediatric emergency medicine POCUS (P2) Network.
• To identify variations and potential areas for standardization in POCUS credentialing.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed based on national credentialing guidelines.
• An anonymous survey was distributed to over 230 members of the P2 Network.
• Descriptive analysis using counts and percentages was employed to analyze survey data.

Main Results:

• 36 PEDs responded, all with a faculty lead for POCUS credentialing and available POCUS education.
• 80.6% of PEDs had internal faculty credentialing processes, but only 44.8% had over 50% of faculty credentialed.
• Incentives like salary bonuses were offered by 4 PEDs; one offering shift buy-down achieved 100% faculty credentialing.

Conclusions:

• Significant lack of standardization exists in POCUS resources and credentialing components across surveyed PEDs.
• Incentives may play a crucial role in enhancing faculty credentialing rates and standardizing the overall process.
• Further research is needed to establish consistent POCUS credentialing guidelines for PEDs.