Point-of-care ultrasound in resource-limited settings: the PURLS fellowship

Abstract Background The role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is rapidly expanding in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings (RLS). One limitation to this rapid expansion has been the lack of educators adequately trained to teach this user-dependent skill. This is particularly true...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Samuel L. Burleson, David C. Pigott, John P. Gullett, Christopher Greene, Courtney B. Gibson, Scott Irvine, Daniel Kaminstein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2020-03-01
Series:The Ultrasound Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13089-020-00159-6
Description
Summary:Abstract Background The role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is rapidly expanding in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings (RLS). One limitation to this rapid expansion has been the lack of educators adequately trained to teach this user-dependent skill. This is particularly true in RLS, where disease presentations, infrastructure limitations, and approach to medical education present unique challenges to the direct application of resource-rich emergency department POCUS curricula. Objectives We describe the point-of-care ultrasound in resource-limited settings (PURLS) fellowship, a novel curriculum designed to provide advanced training and expertise in clinical care and POCUS application and education in RLS. Conclusion Our curriculum design is one approach to create context-specific POCUS education for use in RLS, thereby improving patient care.
ISSN:2524-8987