548 - Giving back to babies, A POCUS Curriculum for the Pediatricians

Poster Number: 548
Publication Number: 548.65

Background: The pediatric population are amongst the most vulnerable to ionizing radiation from X-rays and CT scan performed as diagnostic modalities. Pediatric trainees and pediatric faculty do not have formal training in point of care ultrasound (POCUS) and are not able to offer this diagnostic tool to their patients.
There is no literature to suggest a uniform pediatric specific content for a POCUS curriculum for the pediatric residents. A multi-center national needs assessment identified the gap in training, the most needed pediatric POCUS applications, and the barriers to POCUS education in the residency programs. We designed and successfully implemented a pediatric specific POCUS curriculum using the latest innovation of of tele-ultrasound

Objective: The Introduction of the first designed pediatric POCUS curriculum for pediatric residents and its successful pilot implementation via tele-ultrasound in a national collaborative initiative

Design/Methods: 12 U.S. residency programs participated in the needs assessment survey. Online and paper-based questionnaires utilizing rating format of Likert scales for individual survey questions used to assess the need for formal POCUS education, the most needed pediatric specific POCUS applications , and the barriers to POCUS education in the residency programs. Responses analyzed via the measurement of the mode. The developed curriculum, underwent successful pilot Implementation in an academic residency program setting in the format of didactics utilizing an educational digital platform, virtual teaching sessions, using a portable ultrasound device. Quality assurance conducted via Image review of the obtained images.

Results: POCUS training in the residents current practice was found to be quite important in 86% of responses. Applications regarded as extremely/somewhat relevant to include in training were Procedural guidance 90% ,soft tissue 79% ,renal/bladder 76%, and cardiac 68%. The most frequently cited barrier to POCUS training was lack of adequate knowledge and experience of faculty 91%.

Conclusion(s): There is a gap in teaching POCUS to the pediatric residents as evident by lack of a uniform pediatric POCUS curriculum compounded with lack of trained providers who can teach this skill. A pediatric specific POCUS curriculum was designed and successfully implemented at a pilot site utilizing tele-ultrasound. The innovative approach of tele-ultrasound has made it possible to overcome barriers in teaching POCUS to pediatric residents and offers a potential solution to bridge the gap of POUCS education to the physicians caring for the most vulnerable population.