Implementation of a 4‐Year Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Curriculum in a Liaison Committee on Medical Education–Accredited US Medical School

Abstract

Objectives-The established benefits of point-of-care ultrasound have given rise to multiple new and innovative curriculums to incorporate ultrasound teaching into medical education. This study sought to measure the educational success of a comprehensive and integrated 4-year point-of-care ultrasound curriculum.Methods-We integrated a curriculum consisting of traditional didactics combined with asynchronous learning modules and hands-on practice on live models with skilled sonographers into all 4 years of education at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education-accredited US Medical School. Each graduating student was administered an exit examination with 48 questions that corresponded to ultrasound milestones.Results-Ninety-five percent (n 5 84) of fourth-year medical students completed the exit examination. The mean score was 79.5% (SD, 10.2%), with mean scores on the ultrasound physics and anatomy subsections being 77.1% (SD, 11.0%) and 85.9% (SD, 21.0%), respectively.Conclusions-A comprehensive 4-year point-of-care ultrasound curriculum integrated into medical school may successfully equip graduating medical students with a fundamental understanding of ultrasound physics, anatomy, and disease recognition.

Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound: Does it Affect Scores on Standardized Assessment Tests Used Within the Preclinical Curriculum?

“…Ultrasound curricula have been formalized in 28% of medical schools, with longitudinal implementation described through workshops within the preclinical years and electives or clinical tracks in the senior years . At Yale School of Medicine (YSM), we have been piloting POCUS teaching to a proportion of medical students with emphasis on using a small‐group format during regular biweekly bedside tutorials.…”

Integrating ultrasound into modern medical curricula

“…This review found that between studies, there was significant variability in how long students were granted access to the use of ultrasound machines. The study authors also indicated that these programs were also feasible and could be practically implemented (Rempell et al, 2016;Wilson et al, 2017). Students reported that they enjoyed the practical component of imaging courses and often indicated in feedback that they would have preferred additional time to use the ultrasound machines.…”

“…Wilson et al, 2017 Yes-multiple didactic learning sessions over a structured four year course. Wilson et al, 2017 Yes-multiple didactic learning sessions over a structured four year course.…”

“…A few studies have also integrated ultrasound education into all four years of medical school as an integrated program (Hoppmann et al, 2011;Rempell et al, 2016;Wilson et al, 2017). The initial stages of these courses instructed students on basic anatomy and ultrasound image interpretation whereas the course would then shift to the use of ultrasound in a clinical context in subsequent years (Hoppmann et al, 2011;Rempell et al, 2016;Wilson et al, 2017). Courses for first year medical students tended to span the length of a semester (10-12 weeks), which was the ideal length to integrate imaging alongside an undergraduate anatomy course.…”

“…Other courses are implemented in the third year or fourth or core clinical years of medical school (see Table 1). Some courses were implemented successfully across all four years of medical school (Hoppmann et al, 2011;Rempell et al, 2016;Wilson et al, 2017). Some courses were implemented successfully across all four years of medical school (Hoppmann et al, 2011;Rempell et al, 2016;Wilson et al, 2017).…”