Assessing a novel critical care ultrasonography training program for intensive care unit nurses in China

Abstract

Critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) is essential in the evaluation of shock, respiratory failure, and to guide central venous access. [1] Nurses also use ultrasound for nursing practice such as thrombosis screening, ultrasoundguided vascular puncture, feeding tube placement, and lung physical therapy. [2] CCUS strengths are lack of radiation, portability, and low costs. Therefore, CCUS has considerable clinical use in critical care. However, the acquisition of ultrasound images is the basis of accurate evaluation, and the accuracy of ultrasound is related to operator skill level. Additionally, the application of CCUS in nursing care depends on nurses' knowledge, and training. Although many clinical studies have been conducted on CCUS, there is little evidence on ultrasound training programs for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. [3] In this study, we designed and implemented a novel CCUS training program for ICU nurses. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of a short didactic training session on trainees' CCUS knowledge and skills.Jianhua Sun and Yue Wang contributed equally to the work.