Intensive point-of-care ultrasound training with long-term follow-up in a cohort of Rwandan physicians.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2016
Institution/Department
Emergency
Journal Title
Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH
MeSH Headings
Attitude of Health Personnel, Clinical Competence, Education, Educational Measurement, Humans, Job Satisfaction, Physical Examination, Physicians, Point-of-Care Systems, Prospective Studies, Rwanda, Ultrasonography
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We delivered a point-of-care ultrasound training programme in a resource-limited setting in Rwanda, and sought to determine participants' knowledge and skill retention. We also measured trainees' assessment of the usefulness of ultrasound in clinical practice.
METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 17 Rwandan physicians participating in a point-of-care ultrasound training programme. The follow-up period was 1 year. Participants completed a 10-day ultrasound course, with follow-up training delivered over the subsequent 12 months. Trainee knowledge acquisition and skill retention were assessed via observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) administered at six points during the study, and an image-based assessment completed at three points.
RESULTS: Trainees reported minimal structured ultrasound education and little confidence using point-of-care ultrasound before the training. Mean scores on the image-based assessment increased from 36.9% (95% CI 32-41.8%) before the initial 10-day training to 74.3% afterwards (95% CI 69.4-79.2; P < 0.001). The mean score on the initial OSCE after the introductory course was 81.7% (95% CI 78-85.4%). The mean OSCE performance at each subsequent evaluation was at least 75%, and the mean OSCE score at the 58-week follow up was 84.9% (95% CI 80.9-88.9%).
CONCLUSIONS: Physicians providing acute care in a resource-limited setting demonstrated sustained improvement in their ultrasound knowledge and skill 1 year after completing a clinical ultrasound training programme. They also reported improvements in their ability to provide patient care and in job satisfaction.
ISSN
1365-3156
First Page
1531
Last Page
1538
Recommended Citation
Henwood, Patricia C; Mackenzie, David C.; Rempell, Joshua S; Douglass, Emily; Dukundane, Damas; Liteplo, Andrew S; Leo, Megan M; Murray, Alice F; Vaillancourt, Samuel; Dean, Anthony J; Lewiss, Resa E; Rulisa, Stephen; Krebs, Elizabeth; Raja Rao, A K; Rudakemwa, Emmanuel; Rusanganwa, Vincent; Kyanmanywa, Patrick; and Noble, Vicki E, "Intensive point-of-care ultrasound training with long-term follow-up in a cohort of Rwandan physicians." (2016). MaineHealth Maine Medical Center. 181.
https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/mmc/181