AB172. SOH23ABS_245. The image management challenges of running a basic cardiac echocardiography training programme Article Swipe
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· 2023
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.21037/map-23-ab172
· OA: W4378902891
Background: Basic cardiac echocardiography (ECHO) has become a core skill for intensive care medicine (ICM) trainees. The Joint Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine in Ireland (JFICMI) recognizes the Focused UltraSound in Intensive Care (FUSIC) programme of the Intensive Care Society (ICS) and the British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) as a framework for basic cardiac ECHO training. At present, the FUSIC programme is offered in a number of Irish ICM training centres including, University Hospital Limerick (UHL). Cardiologists and cardiac physiologists are central to the running of our basic cardiac ECHO programme. This is supported by the 2021 University of Limerick Hospitals Group ICU JFICMI Inspection report which made a 0.5 working time equivalent (WTE) cardiac physiologist recommendation to support ongoing FUSIC Heart training. Currently, this role in UHL is present in an informal capacity only. Methods: Underscoring the FUSIC Heart programme is deliberate practice of image acquisition techniques with expert feedback. In UHL, supervised scans are undertaken in fortnightly group sessions, run by approved FUSIC mentors with a 1–2 learners per mentor ratio. These group sessions involve both ICM and cardiology trainees, mentors and a supervisor when available. De-identified unsupervised scans are self-directed by the trainee and sent to mentors for appraisal. Both ICM & cardiology trainees informally team up for unsupervised scans to assist in highlighting suitable candidates & good learning opportunities. Several different models of ECHO machines exist UHL and consequently different scan formats. Thus, management of these images provides many challenges. Results: The integration of cardiology & ICM trainees, mentors and supervisors has several benefits. Firstly, cardiology supervision provides high level expertise for the acquisition and management of basic cardia ECHO images. Group learning sessions foster good working relationships and an appreciation for the perspective of other specialities. Conclusions: Cardiologist and cardiac physiologist support, supervision & input in basic ECHO training is invaluable and benefits both ICM and cardiology trainees. We recommend formalization of these roles in UHL.
