Implementation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Physician Assistant Curriculum

Abstract

Purpose 

This study evaluated the benefits and challenges of implementing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training in a physician assistant program curriculum.

Methods 

Physician assistant students were introduced to POCUS during 2 semesters of Physical Diagnosis. The students were assessed for understanding of applications, effectiveness in obtaining images of target anatomy, and the time required to obtain those images. Student attitudes and the cost of implementation were also recorded.

Results 

After 13 hours of training, the 24 students were able to obtain all the target anatomy images and describe the associated structures with an average accuracy rating of 97%. Understanding of POCUS in clinical applications, including recognition of abnormal scan images, was assessed at an average of 85%. Student attitudes toward POCUS were assessed with 88.69% affirming “strongly agree.” Although the costs associated with implementation might vary depending on the setting, they were feasible in our program.

Conclusion 

Our study confirmed that POCUS training can be effectively implemented with faculty time burdens and costs that are not prohibitive.