Uy Michael, Lovatt Catherine A, Hoogenes Jen, Bernacci Carol, Matsumoto Edward D
Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, McMaster Institute of Urology, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Can Urol Assoc J. 2021 Apr;15(4):E210-E214. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.6637.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly used bedside tool. Applications in urology include the assessment of an undifferentiated acute scrotum, renal colic, and the guidance of suprapubic catheter placement. However, the user-dependent nature of this modality necessitates appropriate use and competence. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost, feasible, and guideline-based introductory POCUS program for Canadian urology residents.
Residents from McMaster University's urology program completed a three-hour online course, followed by a three-hour hands-on seminar. Course material was developed by ultrasound educators based on national guidelines. Low-cost testicular phantoms and suprapubic catheter insertion models were constructed. Pre- and post-course surveys focused on participant skill confidence, while multiple-choice questionnaires assessed theoretical knowledge.
Fourteen residents participated in the course. Theoretical knowledge in POCUS improved significantly (p<0.001, d=2.2) and mean confidence scores improved for all skills, including performing kidney, bladder, and testicular POCUS (all p<0.001; d=3.4, 1.9, 2.9, respectively). Participants indicated that the course increased their confidence and likelihood of using POCUS in clinical practice, and that POCUS training should be integrated into urology training curricula.
This novel study included the development of an inexpensive, feasible, guideline-based introductory training program for urological POCUS, developed in collaboration with ultrasound educators. Participants significantly improved in theoretical knowledge and skill confidence. Although this study was limited to one residency program, the basis of this course may serve as a foundation for the development of competency-based training for urological POCUS in Canada.
床旁超声（POCUS）是一种使用越来越广泛的床旁工具。其在泌尿外科的应用包括对未分化急性阴囊、肾绞痛的评估以及耻骨上导管置入的引导。然而，这种检查方式依赖使用者，因此需要合理使用并具备相应能力。本研究的目的是为加拿大泌尿外科住院医师开发并评估一个低成本、可行且基于指南的POCUS入门培训项目。
麦克马斯特大学泌尿外科项目的住院医师完成了一个三小时的在线课程，随后参加了一个三小时的实践研讨会。课程材料由超声教育工作者根据国家指南编写。制作了低成本的睾丸模型和耻骨上导管插入模型。课程前后的调查重点是参与者的技能信心，而多项选择题问卷则评估理论知识。
14名住院医师参加了该课程。POCUS的理论知识有显著提高（p<0.001，d=2.2），所有技能的平均信心得分均有所提高，包括进行肾脏、膀胱和睾丸POCUS检查（所有p<0.001；d分别为3.4、1.9、2.9）。参与者表示，该课程增强了他们在临床实践中使用POCUS的信心和可能性，并且POCUS培训应纳入泌尿外科培训课程。
这项新颖的研究包括与超声教育工作者合作开发了一个低成本、可行且基于指南的泌尿外科POCUS入门培训项目。参与者在理论知识和技能信心方面有显著提高。尽管本研究仅限于一个住院医师项目，但该课程的基础可为加拿大泌尿外科POCUS基于能力的培训发展提供基础。
