Introduction of an academic medical center’s point-of-care ultrasound curriculum to internal medicine residents at a community-based teaching hospital

BACKGROUND: Despite its proven utility, integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) into internal medicine (IM) residency training has been inconsistent. Due to their unique constraints, community-based teaching hospitals may face particular challenges in providing POCUS training to IM residents. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate short-term educational outcomes of an academic center’s POCUS curriculum following its adaptation and delivery to IM residents at a community-based teaching hospital. METHODS: A needs assessment (NA) regarding POCUS training was distributed to PGY-2 and PGY-3 IM residents at a community-based teaching hospital in 2017. Based on the NA results, a POCUS curriculum from an academic center was modified and a revised course was offered to the same residents. Participants completed cognitive assessments before and after three of the four didactic sessions. Observed placement of an ultrasound-guided peripheral IV before and after the training program comprised the skills assessment. RESULTS: 17 of 28 (61%) residents completed the NA; eleven participated in the course. Of 33 possible quiz pairs, 15 (45%) were completed. Average quiz scores rose after the first and third sessions. Skills assessment scores increased after course completion. CONCLUSION: Adaptation of POCUS curricula from academic centers may be a feasible instructional strategy for community-based IM residency programs.