Training healthcare providers in Haiti to use portable ultrasound for heart failure diagnosis
Simulator-Based simplified Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (sFoCUS) Training in Haiti
This study is all about helping healthcare workers in rural Haiti learn how to use simple ultrasound techniques to better diagnose heart failure, making it easier for them to provide care without needing expensive equipment or specialists.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10651602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of heart failure in rural Haiti by training mid-level healthcare providers to use simplified focused cardiac ultrasound (sFoCUS) techniques. The project aims to overcome barriers such as the lack of access to echocardiography and the shortage of trained cardiologists by utilizing low-cost, portable ultrasound devices and simulator-based training. By implementing a new training model that reduces the need for one-on-one instruction from cardiologists, the research seeks to enhance the skills of local clinicians in acquiring and interpreting ultrasound images. This approach has been previously successful in other low-income countries, and the goal is to adapt it for the unique challenges faced in Haiti.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients in rural Haiti who are experiencing symptoms of heart failure or are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in rural Haiti or those who do not have access to healthcare services may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in rural Haiti, potentially saving lives and enhancing healthcare delivery.
How similar studies have performed: Similar training approaches using portable ultrasound have shown success in other low-income countries, indicating a promising potential for this method in Haiti.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwan, Gene Fazil — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kwan, Gene Fazil
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.