Surgical Intensivist-Led Training in Critical Care Ultrasound Improves Performance. Issue 8 (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lauerman, Margaret H.; Haase, Daniel J.; Teeter, William; Kufera, Joseph; Ghneim, Mira; Betzold, Richard; Scalea, Thomas; Murthi, Sarah
• Is Part Of: American surgeon. Volume 87:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1238
• Page End: 1244
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: point of care ultrasound -- surgical education -- critical care ultrasound -- critical care fellow education; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- United States -- Periodicals; 617.0973
• DOI: 10.1177/0003134820972984
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-1348

Abstract

Background: Critical care ultrasound (CCUS) is essential in modern practice, with CCUS including cardiac and noncardiac ultrasound. The most effective CCUS training is unknown, with a diverse skill set and knowledge needed for competence. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of a surgical intensivist-led training program on CCUS competence in critical care fellows. Methods: This was a single institution retrospective review from 2016 to 2018 at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Our yearlong surgical intensivist (SI)-led CCUS training program for critical care fellows includes a daylong CCUS training class, CCUS lectures, a CCUS rotation, and bedside CCUS instruction during rotations. Fellows take a knowledge test and skills test before (pretest) and after (posttest) this program. Critical care ultrasound skill was graded on a scale from 1-5, with 4 (minimal help) or 5 (no help) considered competent. Emergency medicine, surgery, and medicine-trained critical care fellows were included. Results: Forty-two critical care fellows were included. Mean posttest scores increased significantly for 21/22 (96%) of skills tested and for 14/30 (47%) of knowledge questions compared to pretest scores. The mean composite skill score increased from 3.25 to 4.82 from pretest to posttest ( P < .001). The mean composite knowledge score increased from 60% to 80% from pretest to posttest ( P < .001). Conclusion: SI-led training improves CCUS competence and knowledge despite the breadth of CCUS.