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Review
. 2024 Jun 1;37(3):259-265.
doi: 10.1097/ACO.0000000000001371. Epub 2024 Mar 13.

Point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesiology: considerations for training and credentialing

Thomas J Lockhart  1 , Elaina E Lin  2 , Adam C Adler  3
Affiliations
Review

Point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesiology: considerations for training and credentialing

Thomas J Lockhart et al. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: To discuss considerations surrounding the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in pediatric anesthesiology.

Recent findings: POCUS is an indispensable tool in various medical specialties, including pediatric anesthesiology. Credentialing for POCUS should be considered to ensure that practitioners are able to acquire images, interpret them correctly, and use ultrasound to guide procedures safely and effectively. In the absence of formal guidelines for anesthesiology, current practice and oversight varies by institution. In this review, we will explore the significance of POCUS in pediatric anesthesiology, discuss credentialing, and compare the specific requirements and challenges currently associated with using POCUS in pediatric anesthesia.

Summary: Point-of-care ultrasound is being utilized by the pediatric anesthesiologist and has the potential to improve patient assessment, procedure guidance, and decision-making. Guidelines increase standardization and quality assurance procedures help maintain high-quality data. Credentialing standards for POCUS in pediatric anesthesiology are essential to ensure that practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to use this technology effectively and safely. Currently, there are no national pediatric POCUS guidelines to base credentialing processes on for pediatric anesthesia practices. Further work directed at establishing pediatric-specific curriculum goals and competency standards are needed to train current and future pediatric anesthesia providers and increase overall acceptance of POCUS use.

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References

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    1. Adler AC, Matisoff AC, DiNardo JA, et al. Point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesia: perioperative considerations. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2020; 3:343–353.
    1. Maxson IN, Su E, Brown KA, et al. A Program of assessment model for point-of-care ultrasound training for pediatric critical care providers: a comprehensive approach to enhance competency-based point-of-care ultrasound training. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:e511–e519.

MeSH terms