ISN-ASDIN Webinar: Teaching and performing POCUS in resource limited settings

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly being recognized as a critical tool for providing healthcare in resource-limited settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Its ability to deliver diagnostic imaging in areas lacking infrastructure makes it invaluable. This conference highlights the role of POCUS in these contexts, offering strategies to optimize its implementation. Our study focused on developing a web-based assessment tool for lung POCUS skills in trainees from Benin and South Africa. Using a modified lung ultrasound scoring system (LUS-OSAUS), we found an overall success rate of 0.84 among 35 participants, though challenges remained in specific technical skills like pleura assessment. Results showed that web-based evaluation of POCUS skills is feasible and effective, with no significant drop in proficiency over time or by location. Expanding ultrasound training and sharing best practices can enhance the quality of care in rural and underserved areas, enabling healthcare workers to identify and refer high-risk patients efficiently.

Learning objectives:

- Describe the different needs of POCUS in resource limited countries
- Discuss the efforts and limitations of POCUS implementation in Africa
- Describe the use and effect of online resources in teaching POCUS in resource limited countries

Further reading:

- Suttels V, Chichignoud I, Wachinou PA, Du Toit JD, Mans PA, Blanco JM, Agodokpessi G, Brahier T, Hartley MA, Garcia E, Boillat-Blanco N. Web-based objective and structured assessment of point-of-care lung ultrasound skills in resource-limited settings. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Aug 28;24(1):939. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05925-x. PMID: 39198828; PMCID: PMC11360711.