Advancing Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Utilization and Education: A Comprehensive Analysis Among Postgraduate Physicians in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly recognized as a vital skill in various medical specialties. Its integration into postgraduate medical training enhances diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. Despite its growing importance, the implementation of a structured POCUS curriculum in postgraduate medical education remains challenging. Methods: A pilot study was conducted at the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital to evaluate the introduction of a POCUS curriculum tailored to postgraduate-year physicians. The curriculum included basic and advanced courses with hands-on training sessions held during weekends across 2020. Participants' pre-course and post-course proficiency were assessed through questionnaires and skill evaluations. Results: The study included 116 physicians, revealing a broad spectrum of prior ultrasound training and varied frequency of clinical ultrasound use. The structured curriculum significantly improved participants' POCUS skills, particularly in cardiac ultrasound, in which most participants achieved high proficiency levels. The program was successful in addressing the existing gap in ultrasound education and practice among postgraduates. Conclusion: Integration of a structured POCUS curriculum within postgraduate medical education significantly enhances the ultrasound proficiency of physicians. Continuous and comprehensive training programs, supported by adequate resources and expert instruction, are crucial for the widespread adoption and effective use of POCUS in clinical settings.