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JournalFeed PubMetric Report

Analysis Source: Full text (PMC12605648) + PubMed metadata

JournalFeed PubMetric Score

11

High Confidence

PubMetric Score Breakdown

Relevance 2/2

Addresses a growing trend in medical education with implications for future clinical practice.

Design & Methods 1/2

Single-method survey study with a high response rate but limited to allopathic schools.

Bias Risk 1/2

Potential bias from self-reported data and missing responses from some schools.

Results 2/2

Clear findings with significant implications for medical education.

Certainty & Consistency 1/2

Consistent with previous studies but lacks longitudinal data.

Applicability 2/2

Findings are applicable to medical education settings across the US.

Transparency 2/2

Funding present; COI disclosure present.

Critical Appraisal

Study Identification

Title: Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education: A National Survey
Authors: Russell FM, Park R, Campbell M, Lemen L
Journal: Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Year: 2025
DOI: 10.1002/jum.70021
Trial Registration: Not applicable
Country / Region: United States
Setting: Allopathic medical schools in the United States

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used in clinical settings due to its non-invasive nature and ease of use. As its application expands, integrating POCUS into medical education becomes essential to ensure future physicians are well-prepared.

Study Question

What is the current state of POCUS integration in undergraduate medical education at US allopathic medical schools?

Study Design & Conduct

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey
Prospective / Retrospective: Not applicable
Multicenter: Yes
Unit of Allocation: Not applicable
Unit of Analysis: Medical schools
Randomization Method: Not applicable
Allocation Concealment: Not applicable
Blinding: Not applicable
Follow-up Duration: Not applicable

Population

Inclusion Criteria:
  • Allopathic medical schools in the United States
  • Schools with Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation
Exclusion Criteria:
  • Non-allopathic medical schools
  • Schools without Liaison Committee on Medical Education accreditation
Number Screened: 155
Number Enrolled: 130
Number Analyzed: 130
Key Baseline Characteristics
Age: Not applicable
Sex: Not applicable
Disease Severity: Not applicable
Care Setting Distribution: Not applicable

Exposures / Interventions

Primary Exposure / Intervention
Description: Survey on POCUS curriculum integration
Definition / Dose: Not applicable
Timing: Not applicable
Classification Method: Not applicable
Protocolized / Discretionary: Not applicable
Comparator / Reference
Description: Not applicable
Definition: Not applicable

Outcomes & Results

Primary Outcomes
Proportion of schools with an approved POCUS curriculum
Definition: Percentage of responding schools with an approved POCUS curriculum
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 66%
Secondary Outcomes
Proportion of schools with a 4-year longitudinal curriculum
Definition: Percentage of schools offering a 4-year longitudinal POCUS curriculum
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 13%
Assessment of students' POCUS knowledge
Definition: Percentage of schools assessing students' POCUS knowledge
Time Point: Survey period
Measurement Method: Survey response
Results: 49 schools

Risk of Bias

Risk of Bias - Custom
  • Survey Design and Implementation (Some concerns): The survey relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. However, the high response rate mitigates some concerns.
Transparency
Funding Disclosed: TRUE
COI Statement Present: TRUE

PubMetric Brief

Take-Home Message
POCUS is increasingly integrated into UME, with 66% of US allopathic schools having an approved curriculum.

Study Summary
This cross-sectional survey assessed the integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in undergraduate medical education (UME) across 155 allopathic medical schools in the US. With an 84% response rate, 66% of schools reported having an approved POCUS curriculum, and 13% offered a 4-year longitudinal curriculum. Most curricula were required in the preclinical years, focusing on diagnostic modalities like trauma and cardiac assessments. However, only 49 schools evaluated students' POCUS knowledge, highlighting a gap in competency assessment. The study underscores the growing adoption of POCUS in medical education but calls for standardized assessment methods.

Citation
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education: A National Survey . Journal of ultrasound in medicine : official journal of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2025;44(12):2335-2340. PMID: 40757940