Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound training pathway for emergency advanced practice providers
Cardiac Point-of-care Ultrasound Clinical Training Pathway Implementation and Impact Assessment for Advanced Practice Providers in the Emergency Department
This project will test a simulation-based and just-in-time training program to teach emergency department nurse practitioners and physician assistants to perform focused cardiac POCUS.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durham, North Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07159269 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program trains emergency department advanced practice providers (APPs) in focused cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) using simulation exercises and just-in-time clinical training. Participants complete simulation-based skill sessions and follow a standardized clinical pathway during patient care while knowledge and technical performance are measured. Investigators will collect data on feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the training pathway and compare participant skill before and after training. The goal is to create a scalable, standardized training model to increase reliable bedside cardiac ultrasound use in the ED.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are emergency department advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) currently working at Duke's ED, with approximately 75 APPs expected to be eligible over three years.
Not a fit: Patients whose care does not involve cardiac POCUS, and providers who are not APPs (physicians, nurses, or other staff), will not be part of or benefit directly from this training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more accurate bedside cardiac assessments in the emergency department.
How similar studies have performed: Previous POCUS training programs have improved provider image acquisition and diagnostic confidence, though combining simulation with a standardized just-in-time clinical pathway is less commonly reported.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * advanced practice providers (APPs) currently working in our ED, with additional APPs as they are hired (expected to be about 75 APPs total within the next 3 years due to expanding staffing needs and coverage models). Exclusion Criteria: * non-APPs such as physicians, nurses, or other clinical staff
Where this trial is running
Durham, North Carolina
- Duke University Health System — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rebecca G Theophanous, MD, MHSc — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Rebecca G Theophanous, MD, MHSc
- Email: rebecca.theophanous@duke.edu
- Phone: 919-681-0196
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.