(1113) Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum for Pediatric Residents: A Needs Assessment and Intervention

Introduction: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable bedside diagnostic tool, yet its utilization in pediatric training remains limited. A national survey indicates that less than 15% of pediatric residency programs offer a POCUS curriculum. This research aims to conduct a needs assessment to gauge pediatric trainees' knowledge and attitudes towards POCUS, identify potential barriers to training, and implement a POCUS curriculum.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric residents at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The survey was distributed via the residency program's listserv and administered online. It assessed prior POCUS experience, opinions on POCUS knowledge, applicability, proficiency, and barriers to training. Four POCUS sessions were offered, covering basic ultrasound principles, lung ultrasound, focused cardiac ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided intravascular (IV) line placement. Each session included didactics followed by hands-on training. A post-intervention survey was conducted after completing all sessions to assess residents' POCUS use, clinical application, and interpretation. The research was IRB approved and informed consent was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: The needs assessment had a 90% response rate (77/85), representing all three pediatric resident levels. 88% of respondents had no prior POCUS training, and 91% indicated that POCUS is an essential skill for pediatrics. Residents were most interested in learning to detect lung consolidation, pericardial effusion, and placing a US-guided IV line, though they reported poor proficiency in all. The most frequently cited barriers to POCUS training were a lack of supervisors/trainers (53, 68.8%), lack of supervisor/trainer time (49, 63.6%), and lack of learner time (42, 54.5%). To date, 15 participants have completed all four training sessions and the post-intervention survey. 86% of residents reported using POCUS more frequently in their clinical practice and felt more comfortable managing floor and PICU patients. All agreed that POCUS enhanced their educational experience as residents.

Conclusions: POCUS is perceived as an essential skill for pediatric trainees, and dedicated training can improve residents' knowledge, confidence, and promote greater use.