Undergraduate point-of-care ultrasound education in Northern Europe: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognized as a vital physician skill in acute care, yet its integration into undergraduate medical curricula in Europe remains inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the status of undergraduate POCUS education in Northern Europe and identify structural factors influencing its implementation. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed to accredited medical schools across the Nordic and Baltic countries. Faculty leads responsible for Emergency Medicine, Critical Care/Anesthesiology, or POCUS education were surveyed. The survey assessed curriculum integration, governance structures, resource barriers, and educator attitudes. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses regarding implementation barriers underwent thematic analysis. Results Twenty-two institutions participated, yielding an 88% response rate. Established POCUS curricula were reported by 45% of schools, though integration levels varied between the Nordic and Baltic regions. Governance was frequently shared between Emergency Medicine and Radiology. Primary barriers were "curriculum overcrowding" (73%) and "fragmented governance" (68%). Notably, "faculty shortage" (64%) was cited more frequently than equipment limitations. Educator attitudes were universally positive; however, respondents from institutions without an established curriculum expressed a stronger need for standardized guidelines compared to those with active programs. Conclusions Undergraduate POCUS education in Northern Europe is expanding but remains limited by existing curricula and fragmented governance. Instructional capacity surpasses equipment availability as the main resource bottleneck. We suggest future efforts may benefit from a simplified European "POCUS Core" framework to steer early-stage implementation, alongside a strategic shift toward faculty development to ensure sustainable supervision.