Focus the POCUS

As ultrasound technology emerges, new and more robust clinical applications will develop and learners who become proficient in the acquisition and interpretation of these images will be better prepared to take advantage of utilizing this resource. The need for rapid action and decision making is pushing ultrasound applications towards the point of care.  Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is most effective when providers have been trained and credentialed utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.

In an attempt to keep up with the ever-evolving technology, we created a POCUS program which has been implemented since 2013.

Residents’ POCUS Training

Residents’ POCUS skills training begins during orientation, where they learn the basics of ultrasound and how to properly use the handheld devices. POCUS training then continues through a multimodal education approach involving the use of bedside ultrasound while on the inpatient medicine rotations, a one-week elective rotation with the Sanford Sonography School, didactic lectures paired with hands-on learning on student volunteers, Sonosim online modules, and encouraged use of POCUS in the clinical setting. The goal of these experiences is for residents to develop skills to perform and interpret bedside ultrasound exams and learn to incorporate POCUS findings into their clinical reasoning.

POCUS Elective

We have partnered with the Sanford Sonography School, as well as the Sanford Ultrasound/Echocardiography Department, to develop a week-long elective POCUS experience for our residents who have interest in further developing their POCUS skills.

• • Residents spend two days independently reviewing Sonosim modules.
  • Residents complete one day of ultrasound training at the Sanford Sonography School where they are able to practice hands-on scanning of volunteers as well as simulated patients, with live faculty mentors and real-time feedback.
  • Residents spend two days in the ultrasound/echocardiography department where they follow our teams and practice their POCUS skills on patients at the bedside.