Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the General Pediatric Resident: A Needs Assessment

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Ultrasound
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly vital in pediatric medicine.
• Formal POCUS education is not consistently integrated into pediatric residency programs.
• This gap limits residents' exposure and proficiency in a key diagnostic skill.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pediatric residents' current attitudes and needs regarding POCUS education.
• To identify the demand for formal POCUS curricula within pediatric residency programs.
• To understand residents' perceptions of POCUS training's impact on program attractiveness.

Main Methods:

• A Likert scale survey was administered to pediatric residents across 48 programs.
• Respondents rated their agreement with statements on ultrasound education and program offerings.
• Participants also ranked the importance of various ultrasound indications.

Main Results:

• Sixty percent of surveyed residents had no prior ultrasound scan experience during residency.
• A significant majority (92%) expressed a strong interest in POCUS training and a formal curriculum.
• Eighty-one percent believed enhanced ultrasound education would make their programs more appealing.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric residents acknowledge the importance of POCUS in their clinical practice.
• There is a clear and unmet demand for structured POCUS education within pediatric residency.
• Implementing formal POCUS training could enhance residency program appeal and improve resident preparedness.