Professional issues in the use of diagnostic ultrasound biofeedback in physiotherapy of the female pelvic floor

Scoping Review of Curricula and Pedagogical Approaches for Physiotherapist Performed Point of Care Ultrasonography

Purpose

This study collates and maps physiotherapy pre- and post-licensure curricula and pedagogical approaches for point of care ultrasonography (POCUS).

Method

We used a standardized scoping review methodology and reporting framework. A total of 18,217 titles and abstracts, and 1,372 full text citations were screened, with 209 studies classified as physiotherapist performed POCUS.

Results

Of the 209 studies, 15 evaluated pre- and post-licensure curricula and pedagogical approaches. Seventy-two to 98% of pre-licensure programs reported including theoretical knowledge of POCUS and 44-45% reported practical teaching or competency assessment. In post-licensure studies of POCUS, 0-61% of physiotherapists reported training for POCUS. All studies of post-licensure pedagogical approaches included an assessment of theoretical knowledge of POCUS, but only one study included a practical assessment of competency. There was considerable variability in POCUS methods and duration of pedagogical approaches. Except for one study, all pedagogical approaches reported improvement in theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

Progress in physiotherapy-specific, standardized, competency-based curricula and pedagogical approaches in POCUS has been limited, with minimal research available, and considerable variability both pre- and post-licensure. These findings could be used to advocate for the inclusion of POCUS in pre- and post-licensure physiotherapy curriculum, and suggest a need for clear guidelines from regulatory colleges and licensing bodies, and a common terminology for physiotherapist performed POCUS. Future directions for research include a systematic review of the psychometric properties of physiotherapist performed POCUS within and across anatomical areas, an assessment of value of different forms of training, and an evaluation of the impact of physiotherapist performed POCUS on patient outcomes.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Educational Development in Australasia: A Scoping Review

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) technology is evolving rapidly and is being adopted by many health professionals in their clinical practice. Ultrasound is a complex skill requiring dedicated training. Appropriate integration of ultrasound education into medical, surgical, nursing and allied health professions is a current challenge worldwide. There are patient safety implications for use of ultrasound without adequate training and frameworks. The purpose of the review was to overview the status of PoCUS education in Australasia; investigate what is being taught and learned about ultrasound across the health professions; and identify potential gaps. The review was limited to postgraduate and qualified health professionals with established or emerging clinical use for PoCUS. A scoping review methodology was used to include literature in peer-reviewed articles, policies, guidelines, position statements, curricula and online material relating to ultrasound education. One hundred thirty-six documents were included. The literature revealed heterogeneity in ultrasound teaching and learning across the health professions. Several health professions lacked any defined scopes of practice, policies or curricula. Significant investment in resourcing ultrasound education is required to address the current needs in Australia and New Zealand.