Point of Care Ultrasound

The goal of this observational study is to train and test an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based program to assist anesthesiologists in the interpretation of stomach ultrasound images and differentiate a "full" from an "empty" stomach. It is a healthy-volunteer study, where the participants will undergo ultrasound examination of their stomach at three different time points to visualize the stomach contents. These are at fasting state, after taking some solid food and after taking some water. Here, the participants will be randomized to receive one of five different types solid foods and one of five different volumes of water. The stomach ultrasound images will then be used to train and test the accuracy of the model to diagnose the type of stomach content (nothing vs. clear fluid vs. solid food)

This study is a prospective cohort study implementing a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) simulation case-based workshop in emergency (EM) physicians at different training levels as an educational and competency-based assessment tool. The investigators incorporate elements of Miller's pyramid (second and third levels of "knows how" and "shows how") and the latter part of Kern's six step model framework for curriculum development (intervention implementation and student assessment, program evaluation, and feedback). The investigators will compare pre-/post-workshop knowledge and post-OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) technical skills scores. The investigators will also collect demographic data on baseline POCUS scans completed, training level, interest in ultrasound fellowship, monthly performed clinical POCUS scans, etc. The standardized simulation cases for EM POCUS training can then be generalized for use at any program globally to improve clinical training and patient care.

The aim of this study is to co-design a cardiac POCUS simulation training intervention and implementation strategy for EM clinicians and evaluate the effectiveness of the cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) simulation-based training (CPST) and CPG implementation. By performing this study, the investigators hope to improve diagnostic processes and time-to-diuretic dosing for acute heart failure (AHF) patients.

This study targets clinical nurses and nurse practitioners in Taiwan, with an anticipated sample size of approximately 1,000 participants. A cross-sectional survey design will be employed, using an electronic questionnaire to collect data on healthcare professionals' knowledge of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), its clinical scope and frequency of use, attitudes toward its clinical application, and experiences with related education and training. Upon completion of data collection, descriptive statistics will be used to present the current status of POCUS utilization. Additionally, differences in knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns across participants with varying background characteristics will be compared to identify factors associated with the clinical implementation of POCUS.

The goal of this prospective observational study is to develop and assess the core ultrasound applications for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Taiwan. The study focuses on advanced emergency medical technicians (EMT-Ps) and their ability to perform point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in prehospital settings. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can a standardized POCUS training program improve EMT-Ps' competency in ultrasound applications? What is the reliability and validity of the newly established POCUS assessment modules for EMT-Ps? Researchers will compare trained EMT-Ps' ultrasound proficiency and clinical decision-making before and after training to see if structured POCUS education enhances diagnostic accuracy and patient care in prehospital settings. Participants will: Attend a structured POCUS training program, including lectures and hands-on practice with standardized patients and simulation models. Undergo competency assessments, including written exams, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and image interpretation tests. Perform ultrasound scans on actual patients in prehospital settings, focusing on trauma, respiratory distress, stroke, and cardiac arrest cases. Receive feedback and participate in follow-up assessments to evaluate knowledge retention and clinical application.

The aim of the study is, on the one hand, to objectively investigate the patient-oriented benefits of prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) examinations under the conditions of the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in Switzerland. On the other hand, the study will show what the diagnostic quality of prehospital POCUS examinations is and how emergency medical teams can be trained to use POCUS in the future. HEMS crew members will answer a short online questionaire about how findings of their POCUS examination has influenced their medical treatment, diagnosis and selection of target hospital for the patient (primary outcome parameters). In addition, a study nurse will query the findings of the in-hospital diagnostic tests and compare them with the findings of the pre-hospital POCUS examination. This will enable the investigators to evaluate the diagnostic quality of the prehospital POCUS examination and to identify which findings are often not recognised in the POCUS. The subjective satisfaction and assessment of the benefit of the POCUS examination by the respective users will also be recorded (secondary outcome parameters).