Critical care basic ultrasound learning goals for American anesthesiology critical care trainees: Recommendations from an expert group

R. Eliot Fagley, Michael F. Haney, Anne Sophie Beraud, Thomas Comfere, Benjamin Adam Kohl, Matthias Johannes Merkel, Aliaksei Pustavoitau, Peter Von Homeyer, Chad Edward Wagner, Michael H. Wall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this review, we define learning goals and recommend competencies concerning focused basic critical care ultrasound (CCUS) for critical care specialists in training. DESIGN: The narrative review is, and the recommendations contained herein are, sponsored by the Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists. Our recommendations are based on a structured literature review by an expert panel of anesthesiology intensivists and cardiologists with formal training in ultrasound. Published descriptions of learning and training routines from anesthesia-critical care and other specialties were identified and considered. Sections were written by groups with special expertise, with dissent included in the text. RESULTS: Learning goals and objectives were identified for achieving competence in the use of CCUS at a specialist level (critical care fellowship training) for diagnosis and monitoring of vital organ dysfunction in the critical care environment. The ultrasound examination was divided into vascular, abdominal, thoracic, and cardiac components. For each component, learning goals and specific skills were presented. Suggestions for teaching and training methods were described. DISCUSSION: Immediate bedside availability of ultrasound resources can dramatically improve the ability of critical care physicians to care for critically ill patients. Anesthesia - critical care medicine training should have definitive expectations and performance standards for basic CCUS interpretation by anesthesiology - critical care specialists. The learning goals in this review reflect current trends in the multispecialty critical care environment where ultrasound-based diagnostic strategies are already frequently applied. These competencies should be formally taught as part of an established anesthesiology-critical care medicine graduate medical education programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1041-1053
Number of pages13
JournalAnesthesia and analgesia
Volume120
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 25 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Critical care basic ultrasound learning goals for American anesthesiology critical care trainees: Recommendations from an expert group'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this