Training Effectiveness of POCUS Course
This study assessed a 4-day Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training program conducted in February 2022 at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi. The program targeted healthcare providers with limited or no prior POCUS experience. It combined theoretical knowledge, hands-on workshops, and bedside practice to improve participants’ ultrasound skills and confidence. Among 13 participants, seven completed both pre- and post-course surveys, achieving a 53.8% response rate. Survey results demonstrated significant improvements in median skill scores, rising from 25% pre-course to 50% post-course, with notable gains in key areas such as image adjustment (54.84%), VeXUS score assessment (52.38%), and lung congestion evaluation (50%). Additionally, participants reported increased confidence in POCUS applications and techniques.
Insights and Barriers to POCUS Implementation
Despite its effectiveness, the study highlighted persistent barriers to POCUS adoption, including inadequate training opportunities and limited expertise among practitioners. These challenges underline the need for structured POCUS curricula to bridge training gaps and improve accessibility. The findings emphasize the potential of short training courses to equip healthcare providers with critical ultrasound skills, enabling them to integrate POCUS into clinical practice effectively. The study advocates for continuous education initiatives to promote widespread adoption of POCUS across medical specialties.
