Brief report of a novel advanced practice provider-led course for ultrasound novices

Document Type

Article

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Formal training for ultrasound use is essential for critical care providers. Despite a national increase in the utilization of advanced practice providers in critical care, ultrasound education is not routinely provided in their training programs. This study describes and evaluates a 1-day advanced care provider (APP)-led course designed to provide fellow APPs with the skills to obtain and evaluate basic ultrasound images. METHODS: A 15-question pretest was administered via anonymous use of a clicker response system. Participants had didactic lectures followed by hands-on experience with live models and instructor. Posttest was administered after achievement of basic ultrasound views. Postcourse evaluations were also administered. CONCLUSIONS: Pretest and posttest questions included identifying anatomy, pathology, quantifying cardiac function, and clinical decision making. Scores improved from 58% on the pretest to 78% on the posttest. All participants acknowledged the need for the course and their ability to transfer the course into practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This course established that APPs can both teach and learn from their peers in a formal setting. In addition, this course demonstrated that an APP-led course with a combined hands-on and didactic approach is an effective method for critical care ultrasound skills acquisition in ultrasound-novice APPs.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Advanced Practice Nursing (education); Clinical Competence (standards); Curriculum (standards); Educational Measurement (methods); Female; Humans; Male; Teaching (standards); Ultrasonography (methods, nursing)

Publication Date

2-1-2018

Publication Title

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

E-ISSN

2327-6924

Volume

30

Issue

2

First Page

64

Last Page

68

PubMed ID

29757817

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1097/JXX.0000000000000022

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS