Point-of-Care Ultrasound Competency in Emergency Departments Revealed

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the South African Family Practice journal has provided insights into the point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) competency of doctors working in emergency departments in Cape Town. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Cape Town, involved an online survey and practical assessment of doctors' skills in using PoCUS. The findings showed that the majority of doctors had received formal PoCUS training, with a median score of 80.4% in eFAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) and 76.9% in basic cardiac ultrasound. However, the credentialling rate was low, with only 20.4% of participants being credentialled.

Key Takeaways:

  • An online survey and practical assessment were conducted to evaluate the PoCUS competency of doctors working in public emergency departments in Cape Town.
  • The majority of doctors (83.3%) reported having attended an in-person PoCUS course, and 45 (83.3%) were trained by supervisors at work.
  • In the practical assessment, 73.5% of doctors were rated as competent in eFAST, and 55.9% were rated as competent in basic cardiac ultrasound.
  • Credentialled participants (20.4%) were more likely to achieve a pass mark in eFAST (p < 0.001) and cardiac ultrasound (p < 0.001).
  • The credentialling rate for PoCUS was low, with only 20.4% of participants being credentialled.
  • The study highlights the need for further research to investigate the persistently low credentialling rate and potential solutions.
  • Karen Ferreira from the University of Cape Town, along with co-authors Clint Hendrikse, Heinri Zaayman, Elaine Erasmus, and Daniel J. van Hoving, contributed to this research.
  • The study has implications for the development of PoCUS training programs and credentialing processes for doctors in emergency departments.

Statistics:

  • 83.3% of doctors reported having attended an in-person PoCUS course.
  • 45 (83.3%) doctors were trained by supervisors at work.
  • 73.5% of doctors were rated as competent in eFAST.
  • 55.9% of doctors were rated as competent in basic cardiac ultrasound.
  • The median scores for eFAST and basic cardiac ultrasound were 80.4% and 76.9%, respectively.
  • 20.4% of participants were credentialled.
  • 60% of credentialled participants achieved a pass mark in eFAST and cardiac ultrasound.

Sources:

  • Point-of-care ultrasound competency of doctors working in Cape Town emergency departments. South African Family Practice, 2025, 67(1):e1-e7.
  • doi: 10.4102/safp.v67i1.6151
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.4102/safp.v67i1.6151
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Cape Town Report on Findings in Family Practice (Point-of-care ultrasound competency of doctors working in Cape Town emergency departments). Health & Medicine Week. August 22, 2025; p 6676.