MP003: AP or IP? Introduction of a new assessment of performance tool for point of care ultrasound

Abstract

Introduction: Organizations including CAEP, CEUS, the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) and the Canadian Association of Radiologists have all called for defined competency assessments for point of care ultrasound (PoCUS). Definitions of core indications vary. The requirement for ongoing assessment of performance and skills maintenance is often overlooked. We describe the introduction an IFEM approved Assessment of Practice (AP) tool across a PoCUS training program and for continued assessment. Methods: We completed a cross sectional survey and cohort study including the entire body of emergency medicine physicians at a tertiary hospital. Over a 3 year period, all practitioners were assessed for CAEP position statement defined core applications at baseline and again after 2 years using a published PoCUS AP tool. We describe the tool, its application and the performance assessment findings. Emergency physicians (EP) underwent AP following formal training including an approved course and a logbook documenting a variable number of scans. Results: 23 EPs completed training and underwent AP initially, with all 23 EPs completing further assessment within 3 years. Assessment of practice was completed for 1. Focused Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment for AAA, eFAST, cardiac, early pregnancy; and 2. Focused Procedural Ultrasound Guidance for venous catheterization. All EPs demonstrated initial and continuing competency in these PoCUS modalities. Conclusion: The IFEM PoCUS curriculum promotes ongoing local assessment of performance. We successfully implemented this competency based approach and demonstrated feasibility, flexibility and utility in a Canadian emergency medicine program.