Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in paediatric hospital medicine: a national needs assessment survey.

BACKGROUND

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used in many disciplines, but its role in paediatric hospital medicine (PHM) remains less well defined. There is growing interest in POCUS integration into PHM practice; however, there are limited data on current practices in Canada. This study aimed to assess the current landscape of POCUS use in PHM across Canada and inform curriculum development by identifying clinical applications of interest, barriers to implementation and training needs.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional national survey of Canadian paediatricians practicing in inpatient settings. The survey was adapted from existing needs assessments and distributed electronically via the Canadian Paediatric Society Section on Hospital Paediatrics and through section chiefs of PHM at Canadian children's hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses.

RESULTS

A total of 59 responses were received. Only 19% of respondents reported prior POCUS training, and 8% reported using POCUS in their current clinical practice, with 44% expressing interest in additional POCUS training. The applications of POCUS perceived as most useful in PHM included lumbar puncture guidance (63%), pleural effusion assessment (49%) and peripheral IV insertion (41%). Key reported barriers included limited training opportunities (49%), lack of equipment (42%) and absence of quality assurance processes (34%).

CONCLUSIONS

Canadian PHM physicians report limited current use of POCUS but demonstrate interest in training, particularly with procedural guidance. Addressing educational and system-level barriers may support broader POCUS integration into inpatient paediatric care.