Date of Award
Spring 5-24-2025
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Kevin Maxwell, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC
Abstract
Background: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a critical skill in Emergency Medicine (EM), and Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) students are increasingly expected to demonstrate proficiency. ENP students often face limited opportunities for hands-on practice compared to EM residents. Research suggests that the didactic component of POCUS training delivered through e-learning is as effective as in-person instruction. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) supports the flipped classroom model, which maximizes simulation time and focuses on psychomotor skills and clinical application, allowing didactic portions to be delivered online. Additionally, ACEP recommends a benchmark of at least 25 POCUS examinations to achieve clinical competency in each application.
Purpose: This evidence based practice quality improvement project aims to integrate e-learning modules into the existing POCUS curriculum for ENP students, along with establishing a benchmark of completing a minimum of 25 Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (eFAST) exams.
Methods: Participants included both current ENP students and recent graduates. A Likert survey was administered to graduates to assess their confidence in various POCUS applications. Current students were provided access to ACEP-endorsed POCUS modules during the summer of 2024, alongside in-person skills training and ENP courses. They were also required to complete 25 eFAST exams as a clinical benchmark. Confidence levels in performing POCUS applications were assessed using a Likert scale to evaluate the effectiveness of the online modules, while competency was assessed by the POCUS instructor.
Evaluation of Outcomes/Results: Students reported increased confidence in performing eFAST, ocular, and focused echo applications. However, the impact on other POCUS applications remains uncertain. The online didactic resources likely enhanced confidence by providing foundational knowledge, which in turn led to more efficient use of simulation time and allowed for increased hands-on training.
Conclusion: The incorporation of online e-learning modules and the establishment of a benchmark for eFAST exams represent a novel, cost-effective approach to enhancing POCUS training within the ENP curriculum. This approach leads to improved confidence and proficiency in POCUS among ENP students. Future efforts should focus on using online didactic POCUS training to develop a longitudinal sonography curriculum, exploring how increased confidence and skill translate to higher utilization of POCUS in clinical practice.
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Keywords: POCUS, online training, curriculum, emergency, ultrasound
Digital USD Citation
Walsh, Andrew N., "Increase Knowledge and Competency of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) among Emergency Nurse Practitioner Students Incorporating Web-Based Videos and Clinical Benchmarks." (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts. 314.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dnp/314
Copyright
Copyright held by the author
