49th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting

Feasibility of a novel, self-directed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum using a portable ultrasound: a “proof of concept” study

Melissa Byrne DO MPH FASA, John Markwardt MD, Matt Sigakis MD, Austin Sargent MD, & Lara Zisblatt EdD

Michigan Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

INTRODUCTION

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly used diagnostic modality. However, hands-on skill sessions in lung and focused cardiac ultrasound can be resource-intensive.

We describe a take-home, guided curriculum using a portable ultrasound to provide deliberate practice in POCUS skills to anesthesiology resident trainees while minimizing ongoing time commitment from faculty.

Kirkpatrick Model of Program Evaluation

• An outcomes-focused method of program evaluation

• Emphasizes shifts from subjective to objective assessment of medical education curriculum

• Involves four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Is this novel take-home ultrasound program feasible?

Is the program effective as defined by knowledge acquisition, perceived usefulness, and trainee self-efficacy using the 4-level Kirkpatrick evaluation model?

METHODS

Deliberate Practice Model

CA1-3 Anesthesia Residents + Portable Ultrasound + CANVAS Learning Management System and Anesthesia Toolbox

1 Week Duration

15 Minutes Per Day

Curriculum Timeline

RESULTS

33% Completion Rate

• No difference in pre- and post-curriculum image recognition and knowledge

• Participants in earlier stages of training had notably greater increases compared to near-graduates

• Pleural and parasternal views were approaching “good image quality with meaningful image interpretation”

• Basic interpretation of LV and RV function, volume status, and pericardium was possible in the majority of submitted images

Highly Valued

>90% of Participants

• Desired to include permanently

• Felt motivated to learn more POCUS

• Recommended to colleagues

DISCUSSION

• Harness innovative technology to provide high-quality education

• Able to evaluate Kirpatrick Levels One, Two and Three

• Means to obtain images outside the clinical environment or live models (i.e., to submit for ASA Certificate in Diagnostic POCUS)

• Minimize time commitment from faculty

KEY POINT: Safe, feasible and effective

49th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting

FEASIBILITY OF A NOVEL, SELF-DIRECTED POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASOUND CURRICULUM USING A PORTABLE ULTRASOUND: A “PROOF OF CONCEPT” STUDY

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