Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training Among Intensivists in Singapore: A Multicentre Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become essential in the management of critically ill patients. Multiple POCUS training courses exist, but are not widely adopted in Singapore. Given the discordance between training supply and demand, we aimed to uncover the learning needs and barriers among intensive care medicine (ICM) doctors locally. Materials and Methods: An anonymous online survey was carried out from January to April 2019 among ICM doctors from 6 major teaching hospitals in Singapore. Results: 66 out of 160 ICM specialists and trainees responded (41.3%). Although only 6% of respondents had current formal POCUS accreditation, the majority were already using critical care echocardiography (CCE) and pleural/ lung ultrasound. 93% supported having a local training programme. More than 50% of trainees wanted training in CCE, diaphragm/muscle ultrasound, airway ultrasound and ultrasound for neurological disease. More than 50% of specialists wanted training in diaphragm/muscle ultrasound, with mixed interests in other topics. The top 2 obstacles hindering POCUS training were lack of supervisors and locally based programmes. Conclusions: ICM doctors who responded were supportive of a local POCUS training programme. The programme’s curriculum should address the learning needs of the majority of learners, with diaphragm/muscle ultrasound being the top unmet need. The programme would need to develop supervisors and be as affordable as possible. Keywords: Continuing medical education, Cross-sectional survey, Intensive Care, Ultrasound

Point-of-care ultrasound for critically-ill patients: A mini-review of key diagnostic features and protocols

“…Results of needs surveys among intensivists reveal emphasis on basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound[ 3 ], which are the commonest POCUS modalities in the ICU. We thus aim to describe the key diagnostic features of basic cardiac, lung and abdominal ultrasound as practised by intensivists or emergency physicians in terms of accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), clinical utility and limitations.…”

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Cardiac Arrest

“…Results from needs surveys among intensivists reveal an emphasis on basic cardiac, pulmonary, and abdominal ultrasound (LAU et al 2020), which are the most common POCUS modalities in the ICU. Thus, our aim is to describe the main diagnostic features of cardiac ultrasound from a case experience report as practiced by intensivists or emergency Doctors in terms of accuracy (sensitivity, specificity), clinical utility and limitations.…”