Impact of structured ultrasonography training on clinical practice and self-assessed competence among healthcare professionals: a single-center study

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is increasingly used across multiple areas of clinical practice, creating a growing need for effective postgraduate ultrasound education. Evidence regarding participants’ perceived educational and clinical impact of structured ultrasound training programs remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate participants’ self-assessed ultrasound competence, satisfaction with training, perceived impact on clinical practice, and further educational needs following participation in courses organized by the Upper Silesian School of Ultrasonography (GSU). This single-center survey-based observational study used a retrospective post-then-pre approach. A total of 521 course participants completed an author-developed structured questionnaire assessing self-reported ultrasound competence and other educational outcomes. Self-assessed ultrasound competence was rated on a 0–100 scale. Retrospective pre-course ratings were available for 486 participants, whereas post-course ratings were available for all 521 participants. The paired comparison of pre-course and post-course self-assessment scores was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The mean retrospectively assessed pre-course self-assessment score was 40.2/100 ( n = 486), whereas the mean post-course self-assessment score was 77.3/100 ( n = 521). The paired pre–post comparison among the 486 participants with complete observations was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Overall satisfaction with the training was high, with a mean score of 90.6/100 and 92% of respondents rating overall satisfaction above 80/100. Following course participation, 84.1% of respondents reported a positive change in their daily practice, 77.2% reported increased confidence in ultrasound-based clinical decision-making, and 70.3% reported implementing at least one new ultrasound technique into their practice. Approximately 76% ( n = 396) expressed a need for further ultrasound training. Participants reported higher self-assessed ultrasound competence, high satisfaction, increased confidence, and implementation of ultrasound skills following structured training. However, because pre-course competence was assessed retrospectively and no objective measures of competence or patient-related outcomes were used, these findings should be interpreted as participants’ perceived educational and clinical benefits rather than objectively demonstrated effects.