Point-of-Care Ultrasound Competency, Credentialing and Policies

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) enhances diagnostic accurate, reduces time to diagnosis, and improves patient satisfaction. Competenties encompass indications, image acquisition, interpretation, and medical decision-making. Education involves didactic methods and hands-on practice with emphasis on longitudinal training and feedback. Assessment tools target knowledge, psychomotor, attitudinal domains. POCUS portfolios and quality assurance ensure competence and continued overarching POCUS oversight and feedback. Scan numbers are often used as a surrogate for competency; however, it is important to note that learning curves vary by POCUS application. Proper POCUS use requires understanding its diagnostic power and potential limitations. POCUS indications vary by clinical scenarios and beneficial applications for training and credentialing vary by medical niche. This text underscores the importance of standardized training and evidence-based practices in POCUS utilization.

Keywords: Competence; Credentialing; Learning curves; POCUS education; Policies; Quality assurance.