Abstract: PO1068
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training for Nephrologists: A National Survey of Nephrology Fellows
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 04, 2021 | Location: On-Demand, Virtual Only
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 800 Educational Research
Authors
- Moore, Catherine A., University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States
- Ross, Daniel W., Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, United States
- O'Neill, W. Charles, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Background
Despite many potential applications of PoCUS in nephrology, nephrologists have been slow to adopt this technology. The past five years have seen an increase in ultrasound training within nephrology fellowship programs, although the scope of training is unknown. We conducted a national survey of nephrology fellows in United States-based training programs. The main objective of this survey was to identify the current landscape and clinical use of POCUS in US nephrology training programs.
Methods
We surveyed post-graduate year (PGY) 4-8 trainees in US nephrology fellowship programs. Survey items were included in a broader trainee survey disseminated to all programs by the American Society of Nephrology in April, 2021. The six-item survey instrument probed attitudes toward POCUS, current use, preferred instruction format, and perceived competence.
Results
Out of 822 US nephrology fellows surveyed, 631 (76.8 %) responded. A majority of respondents were 30-34 years of age with the majority of participants graduating from international medical schools. The majority of fellows (64.6%) indicated interest in PoCUS education, with highest interest in procedural ultrasound and diagnostic kidney imaging. Only 240 (38%) of fellows reported receiving PoCUS education during training. Of the fellows who received PoCUS training, 112 of 227 (49%) reported incorporation of PoCUS at a frequency of less than monthly, with only 62 of 227 (27%) incorporating PoCUS once per week or more. 83 of 226 (36%) fellows reported receiving adequate instruction to independently perform P0CUS, and 74 of 224 (33%) reported that they expect to be competent to independently perform PoCUS by the end of training. Hands-on training, particularly with an instructor, was highly valued as a teaching technique.
Conclusion
Despite high trainee interest in POCUS, the majority of current nephrology fellows are not receiving training in this domain and do not feel competent to independently perform PoCUS procedures. Hands-on training guided by a skilled instructor is a highly valued PoCUS teaching technique. This survey identifies a need for the development of PoCUS programs within nephrology fellowships that incorporate hands-on teaching techniques.