Saudi national survey of point -of -care ultrasound training in anesthesiology residency programs

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in anesthesiology, enhancing procedure accuracy and clinical decision-making. Although its practice has gained momentum in Saudi Arabia, However, evidence regarding its integration into anesthesiology residency training remains limited. We conducted a national cross-sectional survey targeting program directors of anesthesiology residency programs accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The survey evaluated the current state of POCUS training, the assessment methods employed by each institution, and the perceived challenges to its instruction. A total of 36 out of 42 program directors responded (85.7% response rate). All programs state that POCUS training is offered for vascular access, nerve blocks, neuraxial blocks, and TTE. However, 77.8% reported a lack of organized training programs.A total of 18 programs (50%) reported using formal evaluation methods. Faculty expertise was limited, with 83.3% of directors estimating that ≤ 25% of faculty were proficient in TEE, lung, and gastric ultrasound. Only 11 programs (30.6%) had a designated POCUS expert, and 66.7% reported no funding for extracurricular ultrasound training. POCUS training in Saudi anesthesiology residency programs is markedly underdeveloped; Implementing a standardized curriculum, enhancing faculty training, and increased institutional support to ensure residents achieve competency in core and advanced ultrasound applications.