Training pediatric residents in point-of-care ultrasound: An assessment of the needs and barriers to acquire the skill

Introduction

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCU) is increasing globally. However, owing to the epidemiology of diseases and local management strategies, POCU may not be universally applicable. Before developing a POCU training program, because of limited resources for medical education, it was pivotal to conduct a needs assessment and identify the training barriers.

Methods

This study used a validated paper questionnaire. The survey instrument was distributed to 120 pediatric residents (male 60, female 60) training at our institution to assess their self-reported level of skill in POCU, and their perceptions with regard to the applicability of POCU, measured with a 5-point Likert scale. The skills deficit was measured by subtracting the self-reported level of skills in lung, cardiac, and abdominal POCU from the perceived applicability of POCU.

Results

Fifty-nine residents participated, resulting in a response rate of 50 and 48% (n = 29) for the male group, and 50% (n = 30) for the female group. The level of knowledge and proficiency was low. Scanning for free abdominal fluid was deemed the most applicable (mean 4.2 ± SD 1.1); however, the use of POCU to detect consolidation was considered least applicable (mean 2.7 ± SD 1.3). The skills deficit was highest for an abdominal POCU (mean 2.4 ± SD 1.6) and lowest for lung ultrasound (mean 1.4 ± SD 1.6). Although the majority (n = 48) agreed that this skill was essential, 3 (5%) had no interest, and 39% (n = 23) indicated a lack of time to acquire the skill.

Conclusions

Though pediatric residents in Saudi Arabia agree that POCU is an essential skill, large skill deficits exist, supporting the necessity to provide POCU training. However, there are several barriers to overcome to achieve this.