A novel approach to physician assistant ultrasound education: the fast eFAST

This study evaluated a novel method of teaching physician assistant (PA) students the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examination and sought to determine the optimal workshop duration and gain feedback on workshop administration, format, and application by PA students in future clinical scenarios.

Prospective cohort analysis evaluating a POCUS eFAST training modality administered to first-year PA students. Students completed a pre-test evaluating experience and comfortability with POCUS, principles of imaging and optimization, and the eFAST exam. Researchers delivered didactic training on the use of eFAST and hands-on sessions. Students completed a post-test evaluation and demonstrated proficiency with the modality by performing an eFAST scan. The evaluation of the effectiveness of this training on knowledge and hands-on skills was determined through a statistical comparison of scores between a pre-and post-test.

The cohort consisted of 16 PA students with the majority completing both the pre- and post-tests (response rate: 94%, n = 15). Post-training scores showed a significant improvement in knowledge with an increase of 77.6% (p < 0.01). All respondents (n = 14) reported that POCUS would be "Somewhat to Very Beneficial" in their future practice as PAs, with a moderate increase from Somewhat Beneficial to Very Beneficial post-training.

These results indicate that our novel training was effective at teaching the eFAST procedure, normal anatomy, pathology, and clinical decisions based on findings. Participants agreed that POCUS could be a valuable tool for emergency care provided by PAs.