Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is gaining traction in clinical practice due to its portability and affordability. As ultrasound machines become more accessible, various medical societies and expert groups now advocate for incorporating PoCUS into undergraduate medical curricula. However, large-scale surveys on how PoCUS is taught in European medical schools have been lacking. This survey aimed to evaluate the current and future state of PoCUS courses in the European Union (EU).
The Ultrasound Study Survey reached
Most schools offered fewer than 40 hours of teaching. Additionally, 75% of schools with practical training provided less than 40 hours of hands-on PoCUS experience. About 69% of surveyed schools did not teach PoCUS, but half of these plan to implement it in the future.
Ultrasound Care PoCUS Courses
PoCUS courses in many institutions are introductory, with limited teaching hours and practical training. The survey highlights the need for further evaluation of its impact on clinical practice. The short duration of these courses suggests that students may not gain enough knowledge or experience to use PoCUS autonomously in real-world settings.
