Daniel Mok1,2, Stephan K W Schwarz1,2, Kevin Rondi3,4. 1. Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Level 3, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. 3. Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Level 3, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada. kevinrondi@gmail.com. 4. Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. kevinrondi@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a useful tool with multiple perioperative applications relevant to the anesthesiologist. Nevertheless, the full scope of POCUS applications has yet to be formally incorporated into Canadian anesthesiology training. The purpose of this study was to determine the current state of POCUS training in Canadian anesthesiology residency programs. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey of program directors from Royal College-accredited anesthesiology residency programs across Canada. Respondents were asked about POCUS training and assessment strategies at their institution as well as perceived barriers to POCUS education. We also elicited program directors' views on the importance of various POCUS applications as well as future direction of POCUS education within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs. RESULTS: Thirteen of 17 (76%) program directors responded to our survey. All respondents' residency programs provide some training in POCUS-facilitated vascular access, peripheral nerve blocks, neuraxial techniques, and transthoracic echocardiography. Nevertheless, training varies significantly for the other POCUS applications in our survey. The most frequently quoted teaching method employed is informal bedside teaching, followed by structured expert demonstration, hands-on scanning, and didactic lectures. The most frequently quoted barrier to teaching POCUS is the lack of trained staff. The majority of respondents agreed that competence in POCUS is important for graduating anesthesiology residents, and that POCUS should be incorporated into the National Curriculum for Canadian Anesthesiology Residency. CONCLUSION: Point-of-care ultrasonography training within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs is highly variable. Given the importance of POCUS abilities and their relevance to modern anesthesia practice, POCUS training and assessment within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs should be formalized.
PURPOSE: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a useful tool with multiple perioperative applications relevant to the anesthesiologist. Nevertheless, the full scope of POCUS applications has yet to be formally incorporated into Canadian anesthesiology training. The purpose of this study was to determine the current state of POCUS training in Canadian anesthesiology residency programs. METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey of program directors from Royal College-accredited anesthesiology residency programs across Canada. Respondents were asked about POCUS training and assessment strategies at their institution as well as perceived barriers to POCUS education. We also elicited program directors' views on the importance of various POCUS applications as well as future direction of POCUS education within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs. RESULTS: Thirteen of 17 (76%) program directors responded to our survey. All respondents' residency programs provide some training in POCUS-facilitated vascular access, peripheral nerve blocks, neuraxial techniques, and transthoracic echocardiography. Nevertheless, training varies significantly for the other POCUS applications in our survey. The most frequently quoted teaching method employed is informal bedside teaching, followed by structured expert demonstration, hands-on scanning, and didactic lectures. The most frequently quoted barrier to teaching POCUS is the lack of trained staff. The majority of respondents agreed that competence in POCUS is important for graduating anesthesiology residents, and that POCUS should be incorporated into the National Curriculum for Canadian Anesthesiology Residency. CONCLUSION: Point-of-care ultrasonography training within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs is highly variable. Given the importance of POCUS abilities and their relevance to modern anesthesia practice, POCUS training and assessment within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs should be formalized.
Authors: Jeffrey R Swanson; Douglas C Shook; Joshua C Vacanti; Lindsey M Molloy; Kara G Fields; Louisa J Palmer Journal: J Educ Perioper Med Date: 2020-04-01
Authors: Jonathan Wong; Steven Montague; Paul Wallace; Kay Negishi; Andrew Liteplo; Jennifer Ringrose; Renee Dversdal; Brian Buchanan; Janeve Desy; Irene W Y Ma Journal: Ultrasound J Date: 2020-04-19