Sonographer Educator in the Emergency Department to Prevent POCUS Skills Attrition: A Novel Education Intervention.

The study involved 26 EPs voluntarily participating in hands-on training with the SE between July 2021-June 2022. The educational sessions addressed machine operation, image acquisition, image interpretation, and electronic medical record documentation of POCUS results. Subjects who consented completed a survey on their comfort level with POCUS before and after the intervention. Results: Survey data indicated increased comfort and competence among participants with basic machine operation, resident POCUS supervision, and ordering and documenting POCUS exams. Post-training, 44% of providers reported performing more POCUS exams, 44% reported documenting their POCUS in the EMR more often clinically, 57% were more likely to encourage residents to perform scans, and 14% were more likely to perform a POCUS before ordering a comprehensive ultrasound. The study also observed an increase in the number of scans performed post-intervention (more than double). The SE intervention addressed challenges such as resource limitations, and feedback from participants highlighted the program's positive impact, particularly in reducing intimidation and fostering a desire for further training. While self-reported data and limited survey completion pose limitations, the increase in POCUS scans and positive feedback underscore the intervention's potential. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and initial impact of integrating a SE into an academic ED setting. Further research is warranted to assess the specific effects on provider comfort and clinical decision-making with POCUS. The findings support the value of a dedicated SE in enhancing EPs' POCUS proficiency, promoting ongoing education, and ultimately improving patient care.