Logging Tools

Tracking scans is a key part of any physician in practice's POCUS learning. Here are several scan logging platforms to consider.

EchoLog

App for iOS and on google play for tracking scans

  • $
  • exportable for review
  • supervisor review signature function
  • based on Canadian core scan metrics; use creatively to track pediatric
  • specific indications

Get the App

ACEP Ultrasound Tracker

Tracking website available to ACEP members

  • ACEP members only
  • training or practice based options
  • can generate completion letter after 150 scans in at least 3 indications
  • not pediatric centered

Learn More

Middleware Queries

Institutions with middleware systems (like QPath) can track scans through the software

  • $$$$
  • less work for learner;
  • more work for POCUS director/champion

Learn More

Old School Spreadsheet

  • easily accessible software (google sheet, excel, open office)
  • easily customizable

Google Form

  • free, open-source (need gmail account)
  • customizable
  • on-the go logging
  • generates summary reports

View Form

Counting Positives

How do you ensure good PEM POCUS education when positive findings can be rare? There are multiple approaches to this conundrum.

 

Numbers:
Strict, must log positives

Pros:

  • real experience seeing live positive scans

Cons:

  • challenging to find positives
  • time and resource consuming

Suggestions:

  • don't limit to peds ED population
    • adults
    • inpatients with known pathology

Numbers:
Supplement with Sim (online or phantoms)

Pros:

  • possibility for asynchronous learning

Cons:

  • Cost of sim materials or subscriptions

Suggestions:

  • create sim curriculum

Numbers:
No positives is OK

Pros:

  • encourage scanning without pressure to find positives

Cons:

  • missing experience of live scanning positives

Suggestions:

  • focus teaching on excellent scanning technique and identifying key landmarks
  • image review of positives

Competency based

Pros:

  • more holistic evaluation
  • encourages instructors to spend quality scanning time to establish good skills

Cons:

  • potentially time/work intensive to do the assessments

Suggestions:

  • focus on teaching excellent scanning technique and identifying key landmarks
  • image review of positives
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