Presented By: Johanna Clewing, Texas A&M University School of Medicine

Purpose
Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been implemented into many residency programs as it is an important skill to expertise in the assessment of patients and which has been recognized to improve patient safety and satisfaction. However, the training of learners can be challenging, and the main barriers are time and resources. We are presenting an innovative curriculum which promotes interprofessional and interdisciplinary training with the goal of breaking the barriers.  

Methods
We implemented the curriculum 2 years ago but made adjustments along the way to meet our goals more effectively. The current 3- year curriculum scaffolds knowledge and skill and engages in an interprofessional and interdisciplinary approach including different formats of content delivery and skill training. Residents complete modules and quizzes and have hands-on scanning workshops including some relevant procedures before performing ultrasounds under supervision on their patients, working with Nurse Practitioners in our Interventional Radiology department to practice procedures and our echocardiographers for skill training. We built the workshops and procedure labs into our residency block schedule which resolved some of the scheduling challenges. Our senior residents can choose to do an additional elective to deepen their knowledge and skills and to become more confident in image interpretation and clinical integration. 

Results
Residents appreciate the current curriculum as they have time to build their knowledge first, but then have more opportunities for hands-on training and skill practice with our interdisciplinary design. Our learners are satisfied and perform POCUS exams and bedside procedures.  

Conclusion 
The collaboration with other disciplines and healthcare professions has helped us to secure some more resources and valuable learning opportunities. Residents may also be better prepared for their professional goals after residency.