5993 Providing bedside cranial ultrasound teaching to improve trainees’ confidence

Objectives The cranial ultrasound scan (CRUSS) is a valuable tool for the evaluation of intracranial pathologies in the neonate, including intraventricular haemorrhage, ischaemic hypoxic encephalopathy, monitoring hydrocephalus and assessing for other malformations. It is non-invasive and accessible at the bedside. It is one of the most frequent procedure to carry out by trainees during their essential neonatal rotations yet exposure to learning the skills can be variable. The objective of this study was to improve the confidence of paediatric doctors in carrying out a cranial ultrasound in babies admitted to the neonatal unit. Methods A survey was carried out in a District General hospital (DGH) to paediatric trainees. 66% of trainees were not familiar with basic structures visualised on CRUSS. Only 16% were confident in carrying out the CRUSS and 91% wanted more practical teaching. Bedside teaching session with a consultant was organised in groups of 2–3 doctors at ST1–3 grade, this was then repeated with a new cohort of ST1-ST3, to include two ST4 registrars. A feedback survey was sent out following the session. Results 100% of trainees agreed or strongly agreed it met their learning needs, 100% of trainees agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more confident in using the CRUSS machine, 100% of trainees felt they were more confident in identifying structures and obtaining all views required. 7/8 trainees felt the timing was right and received practical hands-on teaching. Trainees provided positive feedback and requested further reading material to supplement their knowledge. Conclusion Our bedside teaching course was useful to all trainees in learning an essential skill in their neonatal training, improving confidence in using the scanner as well as identifying key structures. Further cycles include providing bedside CRUSS teaching regularly for ALL ST1–4 trainees as well as supplementing the theoretical learning on the departmental teaching program. We are currently conducting the third round of teaching sessions.