POCUS Learning Modules

MODULE 1:  Introduction to POCUS & Ultrasound Basics

Curriculum Location: R1 FMC Block (1st 3 months of R1 year) / Total Time: 2 hours

NOTE: Please complete the “What is POCUS?” and “Introduction to US (Ultrasound)” sections of this module prior to your scheduled FMC session with Dr. Collins during your FMC block.

What is POCUS?  (Time: 10 minutes)

For this and all other modules, you are welcome and encouraged to take notes as helpful to you in your Ultrasound/POCUS for Family Medicine Evernote Notebook, found here.  Please "Join" the Notebook.  

Please start this module by skimming this article:  “Point-of-care ultrasound: Coming soon to primary care?”  You do not need to view the videos linked in the article.  

Take note of the four applications discussed in the article: 1) Cardiac, including CLUE protocol and use of IVC collapsibility; 2) Pulmonary, including diagnosis of pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema; 3) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening; 4) 2-region compression for lower extremity DVT evaluation.  

Introduction to US (Ultrasound) (Time: 50 minutes)

Watch the following SUSME introductory videos (http://www.susme.org/learning-modules/learning-modules/) under the “Physics” and “Instrumentation” sections.  (You may want to follow along and take notes in the Evernote Note "1b Ultrasound Physics and Terminology".  You do not need to learn/memorize all the terms; these will be reviewed at the R1 MKV/second-Thursday PM workshop and in future modules/precepting.):

  1. Introduction to US Transducers (7m): http://uscm.med.sc.edu/mods/1C/player.html

  2. Modes of Diagnostic US (9m): http://uscm.med.sc.edu/mods/1D/player.html

  3. Image Orientation & Resolution (9m): http://uscm.med.sc.edu/mods/1E/player.html

  4. Introduction to US Artifacts (9m): http://uscm.med.sc.edu/mods/1F/player.html

  5. Bioeffects (3m): http://uscm.med.sc.edu/mods/1G/player.html

Next, review this short PPT VIDEO (20 min) on how to use the FMC GE Logiq E ultrasound machine in preparation to the hands-on practice section of this module.  (The introductory ppt video is also included in your Ultrasound/POCUS notebook HERE.)  

Ultrasound Practice in the FMC (Time: 50 minutes)

You will be scheduled a 1-hour Thursday session to practice US with Dr. Collins. During that session, you will practice a wrist ultrasound to evaluate the Median Nerve, as might be done for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome diagnosis or injection. You do not need to prepare specifically for this scan, other than completing the above before (preferably) or after your session. Complete the Module 1 Quiz below when you’ve completed all the components, including the live session, so we know you’ve had adequate orientation and introduction.

Here are some of the main points of the exam we will review (Please review once ahead of time; no need to know/memorize!):

  1. Prepare the machine and room:

    1. Turn on the GE Logiq at the time of unplugging and roll it into position

    2. Position and plug in machine and set up room arrangement and lighting

  2. Prepare the patient:

    1. Have the patient change dress if needed

    2. Position the patient comfortably for your scan

    3. Have paper towels ready

  3. Prepare the exam:

    1. Select “Patient” and enter the patient’s data

    2. Select appropriate transducer probe

    3. Select “Exam” and choose appropriate exam

  4. Perform the exam:

    1. Apply gel

    2. Place the probe in transverse orientation with the probe marker to the patient’s right and maintain contact of your hand on the patient

    3. Optimize your image by adjusting Depth (B knob), Focus (C knob), Frequency (D knob), and Gain (A knob and TGC),

    4. Switch briefly from B-mode to Color mode by pressing “Color”. Move the window frame with the track ball to identify the Radial and Ulnar Arteries. Note the color is RED if you angle (“fan”) the probe toward the trunk and BLUE if you angle the probe away.

    5. Find the Median N and press “Freeze”. Adjust the Depth knob to Zoom in. Press “Measure,” move marker, and press “Enter,” then move marker to opposite side and pressure Measure and Enter again to complete the measurement.

    6. Next label your image “Right Wrist Transverse (Sagittal)” using the keyboard (“Comment” is Space bar.)

    7. Press “P1” to Save your image

    8. Press “Freeze” to un-freeze.

    9. Pretend-save the image to Epic using Haiku.

    10. Delete images that do not need to be saved

    11. “Sleep” machine

    12. Clean off transducer using AF3 wipe

    13. Return machine to its docking station

Module QUIZ (Yee-haa!) (Time: 10 minutes)

Congratulations on completing your first module.  Please click HERE to take your Module Quiz and provide Module feedback.