Point-of-care ultrasound teaching in general practice and family medicine: EURACT position paper

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly valuable tool in general practice/family medicine (GP/FM). This position paper from the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice/Family Medicine outlines recommendations for integrating POCUS education across the continuum of training: undergraduate, specialty, and continuing medical education. POCUS should complement, not replace, the clinical examination. Key priorities include GP/FM-targeted curriculum development, early exposure during basic medical education, mandatory residency training, context-sensitive continuing professional development, train-the-trainer programmes, and GP/FM-led implementation. Integrating POCUS teaching across all stages of GP/FM education may support effective and sustainable adoption in primary care. Educational strategies should be adapted to local contexts and healthcare systems while maintaining a focus on clinically relevant and evidence-informed use. EURACT recommends the longitudinal integration of POCUS education throughout GP/FM training and professional development. These principles aim to guide the effective, sustainable, and context-sensitive implementation of POCUS in primary care.