Implementation of pulmonary ultrasound training for critical care advanced practice providers

Background and purpose: The use of pulmonary ultrasound (US) in the critical care setting has been increasing over the past 2 decades. The use of advanced practice providers (APPs) in the critical care setting is also increasing. Limited data exist regarding the clinical and educational impact of a formal pulmonary US training course for APPs working in critical care settings. Methods: A preimplementation and postimplementation comparative design focused on the development and implementation of a formal pulmonary US course for novice critical care APPs. Conclusions: Eleven APPs underwent formal pulmonary US training. There was a significant increase in pulmonary US knowledge after the course, with pretest median of 13 and posttest median of 22 (p <.001; maximum score = 23). Presurvey and postsurvey comparison showed overall increase in skill and clinical use of pulmonary US. After the course, participating APPs reported a greater frequency of clinical decision-making based on US examination as measured by presurvey and postsurvey results. Implications for practice: Implementation of a formal pulmonary US course for critical care APPs improved pulmonary US knowledge, skill, and utilization, and impacted clinical decision-making and should be a highly recommended addition to the practice setting.