Teaching vs learning: Impact of deliberate practice and formative feedback on developing point of care ultrasound skills

Purpose The study investigators hypothesized that Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training through bolus didactic and workshop experiences may be sufficient for trainees to learn the cognitive aspects, while an extended period of exposure with formative feedback is responsible for developing the psychomotor skills critical for POCUS. Methods The investigators studied trainees over the course of an academic year. They compared trainees' performance on written (cognitive) and observed image acquisition (psychomotor) exams at baseline and at each subsequent quarter, using a stepped‐wedge design. They performed linear regression analysis to determine which variables contributed to knowledge and psychomotor skill development. Results Twenty‐six trainees met the study requirements and participated in the POCUS curriculum. Participating in a POCUS rotation was consistently associated with an increase in psychomotor scores. There was no consistent variable to predict an increase in trainee's score on written knowledge assessments. Conclusions Extended exposure to POCUS over a 4‐week rotation with direct and indirect formative feedback can explain difference in scores on psychomotor skills assessments. Trainees scored similarly on the written assessment with or without a POCUS rotation. Training through didactic and workshop experiences may be sufficient to learn the cognitive aspects, but not psychomotor skills required for POCUS.