Presentation
FOCUS on POCUS: Is it a Region of Interest for PT students?
American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting
(2021)
Abstract
Purpose/Hypothesis:
Ultrasound imaging is not new to the physical therapy (PT) profession as it is used by some clinically and in research. The availability of portable ultrasound (US) has led to its increased use in musculoskeletal (MSK) practice at point of care (POCUS). Medical schools embrace its use in their curricula, however little hands-on exposure is included in entry level PT programs. The aims of this study were to access student perception regarding the introduction of a hands on US lab into an existing imaging course, whether there was perceived value and if exposure would prompt their interest in an elective course.
Number of Subjects:
Thirty-three 2nd year PT students.
Materials and Methods:
A 2-hour didactic class included US physics, nomenclature and applications prior to 4-hours of lab. The lab consisted of a brief orientation to the US units with integrated tablet display. A lab manual was provided with sample images and instructions on how to acquire static and dynamic cine-loops for a selection of superficial and deep structures which included upper extremity, trunk, and lumbo-pelvic regions. A faculty member provided practical demonstrations of each. Students completed an online survey to assess their experience. A 5-point Likert scale graded responses ranging from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree) and 2 questions permitted free-text comments.
Results:
100% of respondents (97% response rate) agreed that US was an innovative tool that allowed them to observe musculoskeletal components statically and during dynamic movement. At least 94% agreed that US stimulated their interest, enhanced their assessment skills of all structures imaged and the US units were easy to us. Free text comments were extremely supportive of US with many sharing how US improved their understanding of clinical anatomy during dynamic tasks. Furthermore, students requested further integration of US throughout the curriculum with most interested in an elective course.
Conclusions:
Students embraced their introduction to POCUS, were actively engaged in the classroom and would like to integrate it into clinical practice. Additionally, POCUS is a powerful supplement to didactic and lab experiences for PT students by providing them a visible tool to observe structures statically and dynamically thus bringing anatomy to life. In vivo effects of manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilizations can also be observed in real time with US. Additionally, students can see how other factors such as posture, adipose and painful activities can affect muscle and joint function. These effects may not be appreciated by observation, palpation or static imaging modalities.
Clinical Relevance:
A benefit of US is the lack of associated contraindications to its use and cost savings compared to MRI. While healthcare policies can restrict physical therapists from ordering MSK imaging there seems to be none for POCUS. In fact, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) welcomes PT members with many presenting educational opportunities. However, the main barrier to increasing POCUS use in PT appears to be lack of training.
Keywords
- Ultrasound imaging,
- Kinesiology,
- Anatomy,
- Education
Disciplines
Publication Date
Winter February, 2021
Location
Virtual
Citation Information
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.51.1.CSM57