A novel approach to physician assistant ultrasound education: the fast eFAST.

Purpose: This study evaluated a novel method of teaching physician assistant (PA) students the Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examination and sought to determine the optimal workshop duration and gain feedback on workshop administration, format, and application by PA students in future clinical scenarios.

Methods: Prospective cohort analysis evaluating a POCUS eFAST training modality administered to first-year PA students. Students completed a pre-test evaluating experience and comfortability with POCUS, principles of imaging and optimization, and the eFAST exam. Researchers delivered didactic training on the use of eFAST and hands-on sessions. Students completed a post-test evaluation and demonstrated proficiency with the modality by performing an eFAST scan. The evaluation of the effectiveness of this training on knowledge and hands-on skills was determined through a statistical comparison of scores between a pre-and post-test.

Results: The cohort consisted of 16 PA students with the majority completing both the pre- and post-tests (response rate: 94%, n = 15). Post-training scores showed a significant improvement in knowledge with an increase of 77.6% (p < 0.01). All respondents (n = 14) reported that POCUS would be "Somewhat to Very Beneficial" in their future practice as PAs, with a moderate increase from Somewhat Beneficial to Very Beneficial post-training.

Conclusions: These results indicate that our novel training was effective at teaching the eFAST procedure, normal anatomy, pathology, and clinical decisions based on findings. Participants agreed that POCUS could be a valuable tool for emergency care provided by PAs.