Evaluating the impact of point-of-care ultrasound training in undergraduate medical education: A quasi-experimental study at the University of the Witwatersrand

Abstract

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) enhances clinical assessment and decision-making, but undergraduate integration remains inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Barriers include limited faculty training, ultrasound access and the absence of standardised curricula.
Aim: This study evaluated the impact of a structured PoCUS training programme on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and practical utilisation of PoCUS.
Setting: The study was conducted at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among final-year medical students (n = 70). Participants attended a 1-day PoCUS workshop featuring didactic lectures and hands-on training between April 2024 and September 2024. Pre-course questionnaires assessed PoCUS usage, attitudes and knowledge. Post-training questionnaires were completed 6 weeks later. Paired tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Point-of-care ultrasound usage significantly increased following training (p < 0.001). Supervised usage increased from 37.1% to 47.1%, while passive observation decreased from 47.1% to 14.3%, and independent use remained static (1.4%). Attitudes improved, with greater recognition of PoCUS value in clinical practice (mean score: 6.00 to 6.63; p < 0.001) and procedural safety (mean score: 6.70 to 6.83; p < 0.05). Knowledge scores improved across domains (p < 0.001), particularly in vascular access (47.6% to 64.8%) and eFAST (51.4% to 67.7%).
Conclusion: Structured PoCUS training improves undergraduate knowledge and clinical application, but limited mentorship and ultrasound access hinder independent use.
Contribution: Future research could explore strategies for longitudinal curriculum integration, postgraduate knowledge and skill retention and the broader impact of PoCUS training on clinical outcomes.