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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 10/2017

01-10-2017 | Reports of Original Investigations

Point-of-care ultrasonography in Canadian anesthesiology residency programs: a national survey of program directors

Authors: Daniel Mok, MD, Stephan K. W. Schwarz, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Kevin Rondi, MD, FRCPC

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 10/2017

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Abstract

Purpose

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a useful tool with multiple perioperative applications relevant to the anesthesiologist. Nevertheless, the full scope of POCUS applications has yet to be formally incorporated into Canadian anesthesiology training. The purpose of this study was to determine the current state of POCUS training in Canadian anesthesiology residency programs.

Methods

We conducted a web-based survey of program directors from Royal College-accredited anesthesiology residency programs across Canada. Respondents were asked about POCUS training and assessment strategies at their institution as well as perceived barriers to POCUS education. We also elicited program directors’ views on the importance of various POCUS applications as well as future direction of POCUS education within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs.

Results

Thirteen of 17 (76%) program directors responded to our survey. All respondents’ residency programs provide some training in POCUS-facilitated vascular access, peripheral nerve blocks, neuraxial techniques, and transthoracic echocardiography. Nevertheless, training varies significantly for the other POCUS applications in our survey. The most frequently quoted teaching method employed is informal bedside teaching, followed by structured expert demonstration, hands-on scanning, and didactic lectures. The most frequently quoted barrier to teaching POCUS is the lack of trained staff. The majority of respondents agreed that competence in POCUS is important for graduating anesthesiology residents, and that POCUS should be incorporated into the National Curriculum for Canadian Anesthesiology Residency.

Conclusion

Point-of-care ultrasonography training within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs is highly variable. Given the importance of POCUS abilities and their relevance to modern anesthesia practice, POCUS training and assessment within Canadian anesthesiology residency programs should be formalized.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Proposal for one-day perioperative ultrasound workshop for Canadian Anesthesiologists’ 2016 Annual Meeting. Obtained via e-mail in September 2016 from the Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society, with permission from Dr. M. Meineri.
 
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Metadata
Title
Point-of-care ultrasonography in Canadian anesthesiology residency programs: a national survey of program directors
Authors
Daniel Mok, MD
Stephan K. W. Schwarz, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Kevin Rondi, MD, FRCPC
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-017-0935-8

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