SpacED POCUS: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Adaptive Spaced Education POCUS Curriculum for Medical Students

This study evaluated the effectiveness, retention, engagement, and acceptability of adaptive spaced education (spacED) for improving the accuracy of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) image interpretation by medical students. From July 2022-May 2023, students (n=36) were randomized into two groups and each assigned 50 unique POCUS cases: cardiac/vascular or lung/FAST. Each one served as the control for the other group. We measured effectiveness (% posttest 1 - % pretest), six-month retention (% posttest 2 - % posttest 1), engagement (% cases completed), and acceptability (% would recommend). Twenty-nine students (81%) completed the study. On average, 38.6% of cases were completed over the six-month study period. There was a significant increase in test scores covering FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) (+18%), lung (+25%), and vascular (+23%, all p<0.01). Six-month FAST and lung scores did not have significant loss (+3% and -10%, p >0.05). Acceptability was high; 96% of students indicated they would participate again. Despite an imperfect case completion rate, for some applications, spacED was an effective, long-lasting, and acceptable method for teaching POCUS interpretation to medical students.