RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF POINT OF CARE ULTRASOUND CURRICULUM FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL OFFICER : A PILOT TRAINING CURRICULUM: A Pilot Training Curriculum

Abstract

Introduction : The use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) emergency setting revolutionised medical practise in emergency medicine nationally and internationally. Introduction of ultrasound enables first-line doctors in a resource-limited setting to obtain rapid information and expedite diagnosis making or for patients too unstable to proceed for CT scanning. Hence, there has been a rapid increase in utilization of bedside critical care ultrasonography in Emergency Department and more hands-on courses are being provided to ensure adequate bedside training are provided. However, standards of monitoring its competency for its use are lacking. This study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-Day Emergency Ultrasound Course (EUC) implementation for medical officer in Emergency Department six months after the introduction of the course.

Methods : Assessments included ultrasound knowledge and skills retentions. Initial subjects recruitment were twenty-six Medical Officer based in Emergency Department from Sabah Women and Children Hospital (SWACH). The components of ultrasound proficiency include basic echocardiography, lung scan, extended FAST in trauma, Obstetric and Gynaecology, 2-point Compression Test and Vascular access. Subjects underwent online questionnaire testing one week prior to 2-Day Course and then were tested again after six months period. Six subjects were excluded from the study as they could not complete the second reassessment after six months period.

Results : The mean±SD  scores of the subjects from both the pre-curriculum and post-curriculum were 13.20±4.1 and 25.75±2.4 respectively. There is a statistical significance between the score (p < 0.05) thus, null hypothesis is rejected.

Discussion : Implementation of periodic evaluation would help subjects retention in ultrasound knowledge and skill.