Abstract
Background
The feasibility and benefits of Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FCU) in emergency situations have been established. Rapid urgent echocardiography during resuscitation can aid in swift differential diagnosis, provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment interventions, and enhance the survival outcomes of critically ill patients. Existing training programs typically encompass fundamental theoretical knowledge, hands-on skills acquisition, group-based instruction, and practical application. The objective of this study was to investigate the variance in training efficacy between FCU training conducted by cardiac sonographers(CS) and the conventional model of FCU training led by Senior Intensivists(SI).
Methods
In this retrospective study, we collected the echocardiographic data carry out by ICU physicians who were trained by either CS or SI. An evaluation of echocardiographic performance was conducted using the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Trainees generated static images of specific parts of the heart (the five-chamber heart of the apex and the long axis of the sternum), accurately annotated twelve cardiac anatomical structures. The images were subsequently scored by two senior cardiac sonologists using a standardized checklist.
Results
After training, both groups of trainees demonstrated substantial improvement (p < .0001). Specifically, the average score for trainees under the guidance of CS increased from 4.3 ± 1.4 to 16.2 ± 1.4, whereas those under the supervision of SI saw an increase from 4.0 ± 1.3 to 14.7 ± 1.1.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that while both groups exhibited notable improvement in skill levels, trainees guided by CS showed superior proficiency compared to those guided by SI. The findings suggest that while SI can effectively enhance echocardiographic skills in trainees, the expertise of experienced CS offers distinct advantages in teaching complex skills.