Iterative development of a pediatric point-of-care ultrasound training program

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used across pediatric subspecialties. However, training opportunities in pediatric POCUS remain limited, and few studies have detailed the curriculum development process, making it challenging for other institutions to adopt. This paper describes the iterative development of a pediatric POCUS training curriculum in a setting without prior POCUS experience. METHODS: We employed Kern's 6-step approach to curriculum development to design a pediatric POCUS training program. The educational intervention was grounded in experiential learning and deliberate practice. A mixed-methods analysis of participant feedback was used for the iterative development of the course curriculum. Predictors of successful certification were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2023, 136 physicians participated in nine course iterations, providing 347 survey responses that informed course development. Overall satisfaction was high, but learners expressed a need for more supervised hands-on scanning with real patients than originally provided. The curriculum reached its final format after three iterations. Most in-person contact time was dedicated to supervised hands-on scanning. The inclusion of the online learning platform ImageSim enabled learners to develop image interpretation skills asynchronously. Learners participating in the final curriculum format and those who saved most scans initially were most likely to get certified. Costs were primarily associated with trainer salaries, which were covered by participation fees. CONCLUSIONS: Even in the absence of preexisting POCUS experience, our iterative curriculum development process led to the creation of a successful pediatric POCUS course in accordance with participants' needs. This study can serve as a guide for other institutions considering the development of a pediatric POCUS training program.