title: A practical guide to self-sustaining point-of-care ultrasound education programs in resource-limited settings.
abstract: The value of point-of-care ultrasound education in resource-limited settings is increasingly recognized, though little guidance exists on how to best construct a sustainable training program. Herein we offer a practical overview of core factors to consider when developing and implementing a point-of-care ultrasound education program in a resource-limited setting. Considerations include analysis of needs assessment findings, development of locally relevant curriculum, access to ultrasound machines and related technological and financial resources, quality assurance and follow-up plans, strategic partnerships, and outcomes measures. Well-planned education programs in these settings increase the potential for long-term influence on clinician skills and patient care.
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Electronic address: trish.henwood@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Henwood
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Joshua S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Rempell
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Alice F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Megan M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Leo
authors.affiliation: Emergency Ultrasound Division, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Andrew S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Liteplo
authors.affiliation: Division of Emergency Ultrasound, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Vicki E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Noble
mesh_terms: D017281:Cost of Illness; D003479:Curriculum; D003906:Developing Countries; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006295:Health Resources; D006801:Humans; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation