Self-reported POCUS practice and confidence after structured workshop for early-career nephrologists: a questionnaire...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Medical Education
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) integration in nephrology is growing.
• Limited comparative data exists on POCUS educational strategies and their long-term impact.
• This study compares structured workshops (WS) with on-the-job training (OJT) for early-career nephrologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a structured workshop versus on-the-job training for POCUS education in nephrology.
• To assess the durability of self-reported POCUS confidence and practice changes over time.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study surveyed nephrologists with <15 years postgraduate experience.
• Participants were grouped by training: structured WS (2023), OJT only (2024), or OJT only (2025).
• Outcomes measured self-rated confidence in POCUS examination frequency, technical skill, image interpretation, and mentoring using a 5-point Likert scale.

Main Results:

• The WS group reported higher initial confidence in interpretation and mentoring compared to OJT cohorts.
• No significant differences were found in technical skill or examination frequency between groups.
• At the time of the survey, initial confidence differences between groups had diminished, and WS group confidence declined over time.

Conclusions:

• Structured workshops initially enhance nephrologists' confidence in POCUS interpretation and mentoring.
• The positive effects of workshops on POCUS confidence are not durable without reinforcement.
• Sustainable POCUS integration in nephrology requires longitudinal, supported educational frameworks beyond isolated training events.