Table 1 Global POCUS educational innovations in COVID-19
From: Global point-of-care ultrasound education and training in the age of COVID-19
Modality | Advantages | Challenges | Recommended solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
Tele-ultrasound | ● Synchronous and asynchronous learning and feedback for trainees ● Multiple platforms for usage including but not limited to cell phones, Philips Lumify IIT’s Reacts platform, Butterfly TeleGuidance ● Use of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) for real-time guidance on probe placement and optimizing image quality | ● Cost of internet and software for tele-ultrasound ● Baseline heavy workload on trainees ● Lack of time support for remote faculty | ● Subsidize stable and reliable internet service to trainees including cell phone service and subscription to tele-ultrasound platforms ● Consider low broad-band alternatives for tele-ultrasound ● Provide protected educational time for trainees and incentivize learning ● Provide faculty support, e.g., protected time to engage in tele-consults |
Video-conferencing | ● Cost saving for experts and learners including no need to travel ● Recorded instructional and didactic videos ● Communal bidirectional learning and formation of new partnerships | ● Unstable internet ● Different time zones between experts and learners | ● Subsidize stable and reliable internet ● Consider low-cost web-based conferencing ● Turn off live-video feature during live sessions for low broad-band connections ● Advanced scheduling of speakers asking for date and time preferences |