Abstract: FR-PO062
Insights from the ASN Kidney Week 2022 Point-of-Care Ultrasound Precourse
Session Information
- Educational Research
November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Educational Research
- 1000 Educational Research
Authors
- Koratala, Abhilash, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Reisinger, Nathaniel C., University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Background
A multi-organ point of care ultrasound (POCUS) precourse was offered at the ASN Kidney Week in November 2022 with the objective of introducing core theoretical concepts and image acquisition techniques to practicing nephrologists and trainees, co-chaired by the authors. We share some insights from the course.
Methods
The course was limited to 80 registrants and had full attendance. It was conducted in hybrid format consisting of on-demand virtual content and an in-person hands-on workshop. The virtual content comprised of video lectures listed in the Figure, which were provided to the registrants prior to workshop. The in-person workshop consisted of a refresher lecture and hands-on practice on healthy subjects. 2 identical scanning rooms (40 attendees per room) were set up with 8 stations each teaching a predefined sonographic application (see Figure).We conducted anonymous pre- and post-course surveys to assess the impact of the training on participants' knowledge, confidence, and satisfaction.
Results
The pre- and post-course surveys were answered by 60 and 46 registrants respectively (response rate of 75% and 57.5%). The mean % of correct answers on the pre-course survey (image interpretation) was 51.9 + 20.4, which significantly increased to 81 + 13.1 on the post-test (p<.001). Similarly, the self-reported confidence in image acquisition improved from 3.56 + 0.4 to 6.66 + 0.7 on a scale of 1-10 (p<0.001) after the workshop. 41.9% of the post-course survey respondents felt that the course met their expectations whereas 51.2% reported it exceeded their expectations. Most attendees reported lack of protected time, inadequate expert supervision and limited availability of ultrasound mahines as barriers to continued POCUS practice at their institutions.
Conclusion
The POCUS course led to significant improvement in the knowledge and confidence of the participants. Nonetheless, as we cannot expect anyone to master physical examination by attending a one- or two-day workshop, same applies to POCUS and continued hands-on practice is the key to achieving mastery.