A core competency framework for point-of-care ultrasound education: Guidelines for curriculum development

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly vital across medical fields.
• Current POCUS curricula often neglect fundamental image acquisition skills.
• Teaching psychomotor skills for ultrasound is complex and increases cognitive load.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a structured framework for POCUS education emphasizing image acquisition.
• To address the gap in current POCUS training regarding fundamental skills.
• To create a scaffold for competency-based POCUS curricula.

Main Methods:

• Development of a competency-EPA (Entrustable Professional Activity) matrix framework.
• Identification and collation of fundamental ultrasound image acquisition skills.
• Mapping the utility of each competency across various POCUS examinations.

Main Results:

• The framework integrates core image acquisition competencies.
• It demonstrates the applicability of these competencies across diverse POCUS exams.
• Provides a structured approach to POCUS skill development.

Conclusions:

• The competency-EPA matrix framework offers a novel approach to POCUS education.
• It prioritizes essential image acquisition skills for standardized training.
• Supports the development of competency-based medical education in POCUS.