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PEDIATRIC POINT OF CARE ULTRASOUND

POCUS Curriculum

Education in pediatric Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is provided to all pediatric residents as a six-part lecture series that is repeated twice over three years.  In addition to the six-part lecture series, the program offers a Pediatric Point-of-Care Ultrasound Elective which is a two-week learning module designed to supplement the basic POCUS curriculum for residents who want to dedicate time to further study and hands-on practice of POCUS.  It is a combination of self-study using online and written materials, and hands-on practice using various ultrasound machines to scan volunteers and patients with supervision.  The program provides both didactic as well as procedural experience.  Residents who complete the Pediatric Point-of-Care Ultrasound Elective are expected to develop basic competency by the end of their residency training in obtaining adequate images, interpreting their findings, and applying that knowledge to improve patient care.  Some of the more common applications for POCUS during patient care include:


  • Basic cardiac anatomy and function

  • Assessment for pericardial effusion

  • Assessment of volume status

  • Assessment for pleural effusion or pneumothorax

  • FAST assessment for intraabdominal injury

  • Identification of renal pathology (hydronephrosis, nephrolithiasis)

  • Identification of subcutaneous abscesses

  • Joint ultrasound to evaluation for effusion

  • Vascular access assessment


The program utilizes both handheld ultrasound units (Butterfly iQ+) as well as a residency-owned dedicated multiprobe system (Sonosite EDGE).  These are available to residents at all times for use as the opportunity arises during usual clinical encounters. 


A group of pediatric residents and pediatric intensive care unit attendings have also spearheaded a supplemental IV insertion program within the Children’s Hospital.  Although most IV’s are started by our skilled IV Insertion Team, residents may elect to be part of this additional team, offering to place IV’s in children with the aid of ultrasound guidance. 


Some examples of resident imaging are shown below:

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