An overview of Internal Medicine Point-of-Care Ultrasound rotations in Canada

Abstract

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a growing part of internal medicine training programs. Dedicated POCUS rotations are emerging as a particularly effective tool in POCUS training, allowing for longitudinal learning and emphasizing both psychomotor skills and the nuances of clinical integration. In this descriptive paper, we set out to review the state of POCUS rotations in Canadian Internal Medicine training programs. Results We identify five programs currently offering a POCUS rotation. These rotations are offered over two to thirteen blocks each year, run over one to four weeks and support one to four learners. Across all programs, these rotations are set up as a consultative service that offers POCUS consultation to general internal medicine inpatients, with some extension of scope to the hospitalist service or surgical subspecialties. The funding model for the preceptors of these rotations is predominantly fee-for-service using consultation codes, in addition to concomitant clinical work to supplement income. All but one program has access to hospital-based archiving of POCUS exams. Preceptors dedicate ten to fifty hours to the rotation each week and ensure that all trainee exams are reviewed and documented in the patient’s medical records in the form of a consultation note. Two of the five programs also support a POCUS fellowship. Only two out of five programs have established learner policies. All programs rely on In-Training Evaluation Reports to provide trainee feedback on their performance during the rotation. Conclusions We describe the different elements of the POCUS rotations currently offered in Canadian Internal Medicine training programs. We share some lessons learned around the elements necessary for a sustainable rotation that meets high educational standards. We also identify areas for future growth, which include the expansion of learner policies, as well as the evolution of trainee assessment in the era of competency-based medical education. Our results will help educators that are endeavoring setting up POCUS rotations achieve success.

An in-Depth Examination of the Characteristics of Pre-Hospital Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training Among Emergency Medicine Residents in Laos as Part of an Overseas Elective Rotation

“…This setting differs from other international elective programs and global health trainings, which usually involve trainees at various levels. 12 , 14–16 Despite this, the mean age of participants remained consistent across both academic years.…”

“…Crafting an effective POCUS educational program demands a comprehensive strategy, encompassing didactic instruction, hands-on training with standardized patients, and utilization of simulations or task trainers. 11 , 12 Given the scarcity of research within this domain, our decision was made to delve into the landscape of prehospital POCUS training within international elective rotations tailored for healthcare professionals from Laos. In this endeavor, we provide an overview of these rotations while accentuating pivotal components necessary for fostering a sustainable and high-value educational experience.…”

Correction: An overview of internal medicine point-of-care ultrasound rotations in Canada

“…Following the publication of the original article [ 1 ], we were notified that the first author is only affiliated to Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa (affiliation number 1), and not with 7 and 8.…”

Time to FOCUS - ‘Palliative Medicine Point-of-Care Ultrasound’

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Ultrasound skillset in palliative care stems from the extension of internal medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine and intensive care principles into palliative medicine. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Point-of-care diagnosis has become the need of the hour and along with its guided interventions; ultrasound could be used bedside in a palliative care patient. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been defined as performance of ultrasound imaging by the treating clinician at patient's bedside and it differs from routine ultrasound imaging which is usually performed by a radiologist in a hospital setup.

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