Curriculum Development and Evaluation of a Hemodynamic Critical Care Ultrasound: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Objective: The application of ultrasound to assess a patient's cardiac function and volume status is becoming commonplace in the practice of critical care. These skills have been taught through varying curricula; however, no consensus on the optimal curriculum has been established. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the literature regarding critical care ultrasound curriculum development and evaluation. Data Sources: Studies were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, and ERIC according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines through June 2014. Study Selection: Included studies were limited to those that described adult (age, > 16 yr) cardiac or hemodynamic critical care ultrasound curricula for physicians. Two reviewers independently screened studies based on predetermined exclusion criteria, and disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Data Extraction: Data were abstracted, and quality was assessed by two reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data abstracted from the studies included the learner population, examination type, duration, composition, and setting of the curriculum, means of evaluation, and outcomes. Data Synthesis: The search yielded 654 studies; of which, 15 met inclusion criteria. All curricula used a combination of didactic and hands-on components. The highest agreement between novice and experts, coupled with the most time-efficient application, was achieved when the study was limited to a basic qualitative approach for the assessment of global function or contractility and assessment of inferior vena cava collapsibility. The mode of delivery seemed most efficient when a hybrid method was used, including online instruction. Minimum scanning competency may be achieved with 30 scans although more rigorous study on this element is necessary. Conclusions: Assessment of cardiac function and volume assessment is becoming an essential skill in critical care medicine. Physicians can be taught bedside echocardiography in a time-effective manner with positive benefit to patients by applying a concise curriculum with limited content.