(1071) Addition of FTTE Into Critical Care Fellowship Programs: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Introduction: Focused Transthoracic Echocardiography (FTTE) is a time-sensitive bedside examination to evaluate cardiocirculatory or respiratory failure. FTTE can be done serially to evaluate the impact of therapy. Though FTTE has been used for over 20 years, a uniform approach to FTTE training in anesthesiology critical care fellowship programs does not exist. We aim to examine the impact of a standardized curriculum of blended FTTE learning in existing Critical Care Medicine Fellowship training programs. Blended learning or mixed-mode classes incorporate an educational process from web-based sources into an educational initiative.

Methods: 7 large academic medical centers participated in the study during the 2020-2023 academic years. Curriculum included a SCCM fundamental Critical Care Ultrasound (CCUS) course and a 1-day SCCM advanced CCUS course. Standardized 30-MCQs knowledge tests were the primary assessment tool. All participating fellows received a pre-test at the beginning of the academic year, a post-test immediately after the fundamental course, and a retention test during the last month of the academic year. Test items included identifying and acquiring standard transthoracic views, recognizing cardiac structures, and interpreting images from clinical cases. Test scores ranged from 1 to 30. The pre-test and post-test scores for those who did the fundamental course were compared for improvement.

Results: 133 fellows completed the standardized training course. Mean (SD) score on the pretest was 18.8 (4.5); on the post-test was 24.3 (3.5); and on retention test was 24.9 (2.8). Based on the passing score of 21/30 (70%) on the standardized SCCM test, the passing rates for pre, post, and retention tests were 39.1%, 83.7%, and 92.9%, respectively. The pre-and post-test scores were available for 94 fellows with a mean improvement of 5.3 (95% CI: 4.1 to 6.4, p< 0.001). Post and retention test scores were similar for 85 fellows who completed the course, with a mean difference of 0.48 (95% CI: -0.5 to 1.4, p=0.05).

Conclusions: Standardized education of SCCM fundamental and advanced courses leads to a sustained improvement in knowledge test scores. This consistency among multiple programs demonstrates effective implementation of FTTE training