•One-hour sessions led by two POCUS-trained instructors, occurring from August to October 2025

•15-minute didactic presentation to review indications, technique, interpretation of findings, and clinical application of gastric POCUS

•Hands-on scanning session of two standardized patients – one appropriately NPO and the other having recently consumed a full meal

•Subsequent real-time scanning as NPO patient drinks carbonated liquid to see change in exam and perform validated measurements

Outcome assessment

•Pre- and post-test knowledge assessments

•Pre- and post-test self-reported confidence and competency using a 5-point Likert scale

•6-month follow-up assessment of both knowledge and self-reported competency (ongoing)

Training Sessions

Fig.1. A total of 35 sessions took place over 4 months. Participants performed real-time scanning and interpretation of results. Images above show gastric ultrasound exam findings of an NPO standardized patient before and after drinking a carbonated beverage.

Scope of Project

Fig.2. 209 anesthesia providers participated in the Gastric POCUS Workshops. This included faculty, trainees, and 7 additional providers (fellows and locums).

Clinical Utilization

Fig.3. On 6-month follow-up assessment, 34% of providers endorsed using a preoperative gastric POCUS exam to aide in clinical decision making.

Knowledge-Based Assessments

Table 1. Knowledge assessment scores before gastric POCUS workshop, immediately after, and at 6-month follow-up. Values are reported as mean percent correct ± standard deviation. Comparisons with baseline were performed using Welch two-sample t-tests. (*Statistical significance defined as p < 0.05)

Self-Rated Competency

Fig.5. Confidence scores increased from median 2 (IQR 2–3) pre-workshop to 4 (IQR 3–4) immediately post-workshop and remained elevated at 6 months (Mann–Whitney U tests, p < 0.001). The probability that a randomly selected post-workshop participant scored higher than a pre-workshop participant was 84.6%, and 87% at 6 months, indicating a large and sustained educational effect. The proportion of participants reporting high confidence (Likert ≥4) increased from 16.5% pre-workshop to 53.8% post-workshop and 51.4% at 6 months.

Discussion