Continuing Education to Equip Sonographers as Interprofessional Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Educators: A Mixed Methods...

Point-of-care ultrasound has become an essential tool in critical care medicine. The provision of adequate ultrasound training is one of the most significant barriers to point-of-care ultrasound adoption. Sonographers are a valuable resource for ultrasound training but often lack support and formal recognition of their role as educators. This paper describes a short course to equip sonographers for interprofessional ultrasound teaching.

A continuing education course was collaboratively developed by a faculty of sonographers and physicians from Australia and New Zealand. Hybrid delivery included online learning modules and an interactive skills day. The content focused on increasing sonographer knowledge of ultrasound integration and skills teaching in critical care settings. Pre- and post-course evaluation of participant knowledge and confidence was conducted. Faculty feedback was also sought.

Twenty-three general and cardiac sonographers participated in the course. Self-rated confidence showed significant post-course increase for 93% (14/15) ultrasound teaching competency items (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis of participant and faculty feedback comments was predominantly positive. Participants reported the course was well-organised, engaging and valuable for their professional development.

The course involved multiple stakeholders with the aim to benefit the wider ultrasound community. It recognised the valuable contribution sonographers can make as ultrasound educators and provided educational support for sonographers transitioning to interprofessional teaching roles.

A collaboratively designed course for sonographers has successfully been piloted, demonstrating positive results. This continuing education course is the first of its kind to equip sonographers for interprofessional ultrasound teaching in critical care settings.