SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Basal-Bolus Point-of-Care Ultrasound Education Model: A Novel Trainee Curriculum

Pdf Summary

The document describes a novel internal medicine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training approach called the <strong>“Basal-Bolus POCUS Education Model.”</strong> This curriculum combines a <strong>longitudinal “basal” course for interns</strong> with <strong>more intensive “bolus” elective training</strong> for residents in later years, aiming to build and reinforce ultrasound skills over the course of residency.

POCUS is recognized as a valuable diagnostic and procedural tool, and several professional societies support its inclusion in graduate medical education. However, there are currently no standard guidelines for how an internal medicine residency POCUS curriculum should be structured.

At the University of North Carolina, the program included:
- A <strong>PGY1 longitudinal curriculum</strong> for interns
- A <strong>2-week elective</strong> for residents in later years
- <strong>Knowledge tests before and after</strong> each course
- A <strong>hands-on skills assessment</strong> for elective participants

Results showed clear improvement:
- <strong>Interns:</strong> 19 completed pre/post knowledge testing, with scores rising significantly from <strong>23.8 to 36.1</strong> out of 56
- <strong>Residents in the elective:</strong> 23 completed pre/post knowledge testing, improving from <strong>30.2 to 46.7</strong> out of 56
- <strong>Skills testing:</strong> 32 residents improved from <strong>45.7 to 94.8</strong> out of 100

All improvements were statistically significant (**p = 0.001**).

Overall, the study suggests that this layered POCUS education model is effective in improving trainee knowledge and hands-on ultrasound skills. The authors propose that the model provides a strong foundation in intern year and then reinforces learning with advanced training opportunities in later residency years. Future research will assess whether these gains persist and accumulate over time.

Asset Subtitle

Erin M. Finn

Meta Tag

Author List Catherine Coe, Erin M. Finn, Hillary B. Spangler, Jessica L. Guidici, John R. Stephens, Jonathon Heath, Max J. Diddams, Ria Dancel, William Kwan Jr.

Category Innovations

Concept Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Concept Curriculum Standardization

Concept Graduate Medical Education

Concept Basal-Bolus POCUS Education Model

Concept Longitudinal Curriculum

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of North Carolina

Presenting Author Erin M. Finn

Track Education

Keywords

point-of-care ultrasound

POCUS training

internal medicine residency

Basal-Bolus Education Model

longitudinal curriculum

elective training

ultrasound skills assessment

graduate medical education

knowledge improvement

University of North Carolina

Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Curriculum Standardization

Graduate Medical Education

Basal-Bolus POCUS Education Model

Longitudinal Curriculum