Recommendations for the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by emergency physicians in Canada

Dr. David Lewis, Department of Emergency Medicine, 400 University Ave., Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB E2L 4L4 ; Email: david.lewis@dal.ca EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION The Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) recognizes the role of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) as a valuable adjunct to the delivery of excellent emergency care. A summative assessment of knowledge (including clinical integration and comprehension assessments) and an image generation assessment that includes an observed practical exam Training for invasive POCUS applications, for example, transvaginal, transesophageal echocardiography, and procedural POCUS, may require a greater reliance on simulation. A growing number of Canadian medical schools have incorporated POCUS into their undergraduate medical education.18 There is evidence that this can enhance student knowledge and learning of traditional examination skills and also increase student satisfaction.19 Emergency physicians are well placed and encouraged to facilitate and provide leadership in these programs. Programs should have a clear policy for infection control, that includes machine hygiene (including keyboard, controls, screen, and cart) and the transducers.21–26 Pediatric emergency POCUS Pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) has embraced the potential of POCUS to improve care for their patients.27 Recommended core POCUS competencies for PEM physicians include eFAST, Focused Cardiac, Thoracic, IUP, Soft Tissue, and Vascular Access.