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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an indispensable diagnostic tool across a wide range of medical specialties. Recent studies show that 93% of ICUs have at least one clinician using POCUS for diagnostics, and most agree that adoption of the technology will only grow.1
But how does early exposure to POCUS influence students’ future clinical careers, and what are the benefits of adopting a POCUS curriculum?
This article explores those questions in detail, examining the latest evidence on both the clinical uses of POCUS and its potential to support a generation of more skilled medical professionals.
Research finds that 57% of medical schools now have an approved POCUS curriculum for undergraduate medical education (UME),2 and research suggests that most use these devices for:
Much of this is due to the value POCUS provides for students during their early training. The first two years of medical school tend to focus on foundational knowledge of medicine, requiring students to spend significant time reading textbooks or attending lectures. This knowledge can become abstract and difficult to apply, making it challenging for students to transition into real clinical settings.
POCUS helps bridge the gap between theoretical study and real-world application, enabling students to gain first-hand experience of the physiology and anatomy they study. For example, it can reinforce the study of anatomy and has been shown to improve students’ understanding of anatomy and clinical skills.5
One study of over 300 students who were introduced to POCUS early in their education found that:
But how exactly does POCUS deliver such clinical and diagnostic benefits?
A growing body of research suggests POCUS offers clear and measurable benefits across a wide range of specific clinical applications. A few of the most notable include:
1. Accelerating Urgent Diagnoses: Studies have shown that POCUS serves a vital role within emergency departments, with its inherent flexibility allowing clinicians to narrow the diagnosis without unnecessary consults, ultimately enabling faster delivery of patient care.7
2. Avoiding Unnecessary Treatments: POCUS helps avoid uncomfortable and expensive imaging, enabling clinicians to get an “immediate replay” at the bedside rather than scheduling further scans to clarify or correct inconclusive tests.
3. Reducing Radiation Exposure: By limiting the need for X-rays and CT scans, POCUS reduces the total radiation patients are exposed to. This lowers the risk of iatrogenic complications and ultimately improves overall health outcomes.8ultimately improves overall health outcomes.9
4. Improving Patient Care: POCUS allows physicians to share live findings with patients – for example, showing a patient their heart beating on ultrasound or pointing out a pneumonia in their lung, which can improve understanding and compliance.1011
However, these benefits rely on clinicians’ confidence in using POCUS devices and their interpretative skills. Many organizations have slowed their adoption of POCUS due to a shortage of clinicians with adequate training or experience. The two most cited barriers to adoption for POCUS are a lack of trained providers and insufficient funding for training programs.12cited barriers to adoption for POCUS are a lack of trained providers and insufficient funding for training programs.13
Early career exposure to POCUS can mitigate these issues and equip medical students with the knowledge and experience needed to fill the skills gaps. This benefits all parties: students gain a professional advantage, schools improve their students' outcomes metrics, and patients benefit from faster, more accurate diagnoses.
While the prevalence of POCUS within undergraduate training has grown substantially, we have likely only scratched the surface of its potential benefits. Even amongst schools that offer POCUS training, 9 out of 10 lack a longitudinal curriculum that reflects the true prevalence – and likely future necessity – of POCUS skills within a professional clinical setting.
We predict two factors will shape the future of POCUS adoption with MedEd:
These shifts make POCUS a powerful proposition for medical schools going forward. Expanding access to the technology and more robust training will help improve institutions’ marketing and ultimately attract more students. But to do that, schools must integrate POCUS effectively within their existing curriculum.
Vave Health is the world's first cordless, handheld, whole-body ultrasound with a single PZT transducer. It empowers MedEd institutions to avoid prohibitive POCUS costs and makes adoption seamless through:
Our team partners with you to incorporate POCUS into your curriculum, leveraging pre-built learning modules, quizzes, and exam assignments to customize your program while ensuring fast and easy adoption.
Ready to give your students the hands-on training they deserve?
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Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an indispensable diagnostic tool across a wide range of medical specialties. Recent studies show that 93% of ICUs have at least one clinician using POCUS for diagnostics, and most agree that adoption of the technology will only grow.1
But how does early exposure to POCUS influence students’ future clinical careers, and what are the benefits of adopting a POCUS curriculum?
This article explores those questions in detail, examining the latest evidence on both the clinical uses of POCUS and its potential to support a generation of more skilled medical professionals.
Research finds that 57% of medical schools now have an approved POCUS curriculum for undergraduate medical education (UME),2 and research suggests that most use these devices for:
Much of this is due to the value POCUS provides for students during their early training. The first two years of medical school tend to focus on foundational knowledge of medicine, requiring students to spend significant time reading textbooks or attending lectures. This knowledge can become abstract and difficult to apply, making it challenging for students to transition into real clinical settings.
POCUS helps bridge the gap between theoretical study and real-world application, enabling students to gain first-hand experience of the physiology and anatomy they study. For example, it can reinforce the study of anatomy and has been shown to improve students’ understanding of anatomy and clinical skills.5
One study of over 300 students who were introduced to POCUS early in their education found that:
But how exactly does POCUS deliver such clinical and diagnostic benefits?
A growing body of research suggests POCUS offers clear and measurable benefits across a wide range of specific clinical applications. A few of the most notable include:
1. Accelerating Urgent Diagnoses: Studies have shown that POCUS serves a vital role within emergency departments, with its inherent flexibility allowing clinicians to narrow the diagnosis without unnecessary consults, ultimately enabling faster delivery of patient care.7
2. Avoiding Unnecessary Treatments: POCUS helps avoid uncomfortable and expensive imaging, enabling clinicians to get an “immediate replay” at the bedside rather than scheduling further scans to clarify or correct inconclusive tests.
3. Reducing Radiation Exposure: By limiting the need for X-rays and CT scans, POCUS reduces the total radiation patients are exposed to. This lowers the risk of iatrogenic complications and ultimately improves overall health outcomes.8ultimately improves overall health outcomes.9
4. Improving Patient Care: POCUS allows physicians to share live findings with patients – for example, showing a patient their heart beating on ultrasound or pointing out a pneumonia in their lung, which can improve understanding and compliance.1011
However, these benefits rely on clinicians’ confidence in using POCUS devices and their interpretative skills. Many organizations have slowed their adoption of POCUS due to a shortage of clinicians with adequate training or experience. The two most cited barriers to adoption for POCUS are a lack of trained providers and insufficient funding for training programs.12cited barriers to adoption for POCUS are a lack of trained providers and insufficient funding for training programs.13
Early career exposure to POCUS can mitigate these issues and equip medical students with the knowledge and experience needed to fill the skills gaps. This benefits all parties: students gain a professional advantage, schools improve their students' outcomes metrics, and patients benefit from faster, more accurate diagnoses.
While the prevalence of POCUS within undergraduate training has grown substantially, we have likely only scratched the surface of its potential benefits. Even amongst schools that offer POCUS training, 9 out of 10 lack a longitudinal curriculum that reflects the true prevalence – and likely future necessity – of POCUS skills within a professional clinical setting.
We predict two factors will shape the future of POCUS adoption with MedEd:
These shifts make POCUS a powerful proposition for medical schools going forward. Expanding access to the technology and more robust training will help improve institutions’ marketing and ultimately attract more students. But to do that, schools must integrate POCUS effectively within their existing curriculum.
Vave Health is the world's first cordless, handheld, whole-body ultrasound with a single PZT transducer. It empowers MedEd institutions to avoid prohibitive POCUS costs and makes adoption seamless through:
Our team partners with you to incorporate POCUS into your curriculum, leveraging pre-built learning modules, quizzes, and exam assignments to customize your program while ensuring fast and easy adoption.
Ready to give your students the hands-on training they deserve?
With no hidden fees or other unwelcome surprises, Vave offers high-quality imaging at the best price.
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