WIP 131 - Training Pediatric Residents in Point of Care Ultrasound Education - A Quality Improvement Initiative

Poster Number: WIP 131
Publication Number: WIP 131.2623

Background: Point–of–care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool that can enhance patient care. Most pediatric residents, however, report being inadequately trained in POCUS.

Objective: We aim to train 60% of all pediatric residents enrolled in our institution to perform POCUS within a period of 6-months.

Design/Methods: Using improvement methodology, we are implementing a quality improvement (QI) initiative to improve pediatric residents’ training in POCUS. The QI will include three phases. First, a needs assessment and baseline survey of the residents to identify existing knowledge, proficiency, attitude, and barriers to POCUS. Second, an implementation phase which will involve training pediatric residents in POCUS. Four POCUS sessions will be conducted every month for 6 months, each session including 8-10 pediatric residents. These sessions will be conducted by trained personnel and supervised by an attending skilled at POCUS. The sessions will cover basic ultrasound (US) principles, procedural skills such as US-guided intravenous line placement, and basic principles of cardiac, lung, abdominal, and bladder US. The final phase of the study is a post-intervention survey of the residents to assess the improvement in knowledge, proficiency, and attitude to POCUS. The outcome measure is the number of pediatric residents who have completed at least one POCUS session at the end of six months. We will use descriptive statistics to analyze participant demographics, prior POCUS experience, knowledge, proficiency, and barriers. Categorical data will be compared using Chi-squared or McNemar tests. Interval data will be compared using Student's t-test or ANOVA. A p-value < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Our study was given exempt status by IRB (IRB ID: 2107040-1). We completed the baseline survey and needs assessment which revealed 85% of pediatric residents reported being inadequately trained in POCUS and 90% agreeing POCUS is an essential skill for pediatrics. We are currently in the second (implementation) phase. The study will conclude by March 2024.