Training and experiences in ultrasound and focused echo among post graduate trainees in anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine

Dilshan Priyankara,Sureswarasarma Jegatheepan,Edirisooriya Maddumage Manoj

doi:10.4038/slja.v26i2.8356

Dilshan Priyankara, Sureswarasarma Jegatheepan + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/slja.v26i2.8356

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Abstract

Introduction: Use of ultrasound scans (USS) has rapidly expanded and it is being used by many non-radiology specialists in fields such as anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine. There are well established guidelines on the use of USS in these specialities. Training in USS should be appropriately supervised and should lead to an accreditation to ensure the quality and to minimize mistakes. Study objectives: We evaluated the training, experience, and confidence in USS/Focused ECHO among anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine trainees. Methods: An online survey was sent to the post-graduate trainees in anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine who wereundergoing local training in Sri Lanka during August-September 2017. No ethical approval was required, and participation was entirely voluntary with responses kept anonymised. Results: Out of 69 responders, only 25 (36.2%) had a dedicated training programme in USS/F-ECHO. Trainees gained their knowledge mainly from their seniors (52.1%), workshops (46.3%) and local educational supervisor (37.6%). Only 9 (13.1%) maintained a log book. Majority were always or often confident in performing vascular USS. However, trainees were least confident in F-ECHO. Conclusions: There should be a dedicated USS and focused ECHO programme and a curriculum for the trainees in anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine and they should be encouraged to maintain a log book of their training experiences.

Highlights

Use of ultrasound scans (USS) has rapidly expanded and it is being used by many nonradiology specialists in fields such as anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine
Over the last decade, there has been major advances in ultrasound (USS) technology. This has led to more interest and use of USS beyond radiology into various specialities such as critical care, anaesthesia and emergency medicine
The use of USS technology has gone beyond its use for vascular access to regional anaesthesia, various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using thoracic USS, abdominal scanning (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma - FAST) in emergency medicine and focused transthoracic echocardiography in critical care (F-ECHO)

Summary

Introduction

There has been major advances in ultrasound (USS) technology. This has led to more interest and use of USS beyond radiology into various specialities such as critical care, anaesthesia and emergency medicine. The use of USS technology has gone beyond its use for vascular access to regional anaesthesia, various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using thoracic USS (diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusions and pneumothoraces, pulmonary oedema), abdominal scanning (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma - FAST) in emergency medicine and focused transthoracic echocardiography in critical care (F-ECHO). There are well established guidelines onthe use of USS in anaesthesia, critical are and in emergency medicine.[1,2] These guidelines highlight the training syllabus and requirements for an ultra-sonographer to ensure competency in individual practice. We intended to evaluate the training, experience, and confidence in undertaking USS/Focused ECHO among anaesthesia, critical care and emergency medicine post graduate trainees in Sri Lanka

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusions and recommendations