Development of the Children's ACuTe UltraSound (CACTUS) point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-accredited training in the UK: a descriptive study

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an established, evidence-supported tool that can be used in neonatal and paediatric medicine, offering clinicians immediate diagnostic insights, assessment of interventions and improved safety profiles and success rate of various procedures. Its effective use requires an established education programme, governance and standardisation to ensure competence in this skill. While adult clinical practice has established POCUS training protocols, this had not been replicated in paediatrics. This article describes the development and launch of the UK's inaugural accredited paediatric-specific POCUS curriculum and training pathway: the 'Children's ACuTe UltraSound' course, addressing this significant gap in paediatric healthcare education and describing the training delivered and available for paediatricians and allied health professionals working with children.

Keywords: Intensive Care Units; Intensive Care Units, Paediatric; Paediatric Emergency Medicine; Paediatrics; Technology.