A Practical Guide to Self-Sustaining Point-of-Care Ultrasound Education Programs in Resource-Limited Settings

• Published in: Annals of emergency medicine Vol. 64; no. 3; pp. 277 - 285.e2
• Main Authors: Henwood, Patricia C., MD, Mackenzie, David C., MD, Rempell, Joshua S., MD, MPH, Murray, Alice F., MD, Leo, Megan M., MD, Dean, Anthony J., MD, Liteplo, Andrew S., MD, Noble, Vicki E., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Cost of Illness; Curriculum; Developing Countries; Education, Medical, Continuing - methods; Emergency; Health Resources; Humans; Point-of-Care Systems; Quality Assurance, Health Care - methods; Ultrasonography - instrumentation
• ISSN: 0196-0644; 1097-6760
• DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.04.013

The value of point-of-care ultrasound education in resource-limited settings is increasingly recognized, though little guidance exists on how to best construct a sustainable training program. Herein we offer a practical overview of core factors to consider when developing and implementing a point-of-care ultrasound education program in a resource-limited setting. Considerations include analysis of needs assessment findings, development of locally relevant curriculum, access to ultrasound machines and related technological and financial resources, quality assurance and follow-up plans, strategic partnerships, and outcomes measures. Well-planned education programs in these settings increase the potential for long-term influence on clinician skills and patient care.