Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training in a surgical residency program

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic tool due to its high availability, sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of diseases. However, there are no standardized training recommendations issued by accrediting bodies for residency programs in general surgery.
Objective: The primary objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an ultrasound training program for postgraduate year-1 surgical residents. The secondary objective was to analyze the impact of the course on the training of residents.
Material and methods: We conducted an observational and prospective cohort study in a public hospital in the city of Buenos Aires. A total of 8 postgraduate year-1 surgical residents without prior experience in ultrasonography participated in a 6-month ultrasound course. The course ended with a theoretical and practical exam and a with a survey to measure the impact of the course on residents’ training.
Results: The participants identified the anatomical structures and most prevalent diseases of the chest and abdomen. On average, each resident performed 220 ultrasound scans, 2 paracentesis and 2 thoracentesis and placed 3 central venous lines. They gained basic technical and non-technical skills to perform abdominal and pleural ultrasound scans and minimally invasive procedures.
Conclusion: Training in point-of-care ultrasound for postgraduate year-1 surgical residents was feasible and improved the necessary technical skills to perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The participants also perceived an enhancement in non-technical skills, including increased confidence in patient assessment and decision-making, as well as enhanced communication skills.