The effect of online point of care ultrasound training coupled with 1:1 sessions on medical learner comfort level and intended use

Abstract

Abstract Background Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining popularity in the clinical setting as it provides important bedside clinical information in real-time. There are numerous barriers in POCUS training that impede access, training, and subsequent use. This study was developed to introduce and evaluate the use of a novel course, the Huntsville Integrated Simulation Program (HIP-Sim). The study objective was to investigate the feasibility and clinical relevance of the HIP-Sim program, to learn if completing modules coupled with select 1:1 sessions will improve confidence in ultrasound skills and potential incorporation of POCUS into practice. Method Participants included physicians, undergraduate and graduate medical learners in rural northern Ontario. Pre-and post-interventional responses were collected from participants. Data was assessed using descriptive analyses and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests. Laurentian University research ethics board, certificate number #2020-02-01. Results There were 40 unique respondents, twenty completing both the pre-and post-intervention surveys. Respondents reported a significant increase in comfort level for Abdomen FAST, IVC/ volume assessment, POCUS in general, and Basic Cardiac assessment, which increased by 1.13 points or more. Respondents strongly agreed that “the HIP-SIM course was an effective use of my time” (18/27 = 66.7%) or that “the training was appropriate to my learning needs” (20/27 = 74.1%). Almost 90% (24/27) would recommend the HIP SIM training program to others. Many respondents indicated that they would “recommend the HIP-Sim program to their colleagues and medical learners” and that it was “an excellent mix of self-directed learning and learning from the experts”. Conclusion The HIP-Sim program increased comfort in numerous POCUS scans. The hybrid format of electronic self-directed learning and in-person teaching was appreciated by physicians and medical learners alike. This study demonstrates preliminary evidence that HIP-Sim is a feasible and clinically relevant POCUS learning course.