Laying a Strong Foundation with a Novel "Basal-Bolus" Point of Care Ultrasound Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents.

Abstract

Background: While professional societies acknowledge the importance of point of care ultrasound (POCUS), a minority of internal medicine (IM) residencies have a formal curriculum. This study aims to 1) describe the implementation of a longitudinal POCUS curriculum for first-year IM trainees and 2) assess the effectiveness of the curriculum in improving knowledge and confidence.

Methods: We implemented a longitudinal curriculum for IM interns, with didactic and hands-on sessions throughout the year. We assessed curriculum effectiveness through knowledge tests and confidence surveys at the beginning and end of the intern year. Trainees who took our POCUS elective were given the same tests to assess knowledge retention.

Results: Between 2021 and 2024, 87 interns completed the curriculum; 37 (42.5%) completed pre- and post-test questionnaires. Mean scores for knowledge tests improved from 44.4% to 62.9% (mean difference 18.5%, 95% CI 14.9-22.1, p < 0.001). Confidence in using POCUS to identify pathologic findings and apply it in clinical scenarios improved for all 17 measures (p < 0.001). Of the 37 interns who completed the knowledge assessments, 15 (40.5%) took the upper-level elective and completed knowledge assessments. There were no differences between first-year post-curriculum and elective pre-curriculum scores.

Conclusions: Knowledge scores and confidence in POCUS improved following a longitudinal curriculum for internal medicine interns. Residents participating in a subsequent POCUS elective maintained their knowledge scores.