FOAMed Resource Series Part II: Ultrasound
- Sep 2nd, 2016
- Brit Long
- categories:
Author: Brit Long, MD (@long_brit, EM Attending Physician, SAUSHEC) // Edited by: Alex Koyfman, MD (@EMHighAK, EM Attending Physician, UTSW / Parkland Memorial Hosptial)
This is Part II of the FOAMed Resource Series. Part I evaluated the FOAMed world of the ECG, which can be found here: http://www.emdocs.net/foamed-resource-series-part-ecg/. Today’s post will evaluate Ultrasound (US) resources. As EM has grown, so has US. This tool is now often considered an extension of the physical exam, providing key clinical data at the bedside. A great deal of resident curriculum is geared towards US use in the ED.
The following resources were chosen based on useful education pearls, validity of content, impact on clinical practice, and clear citation of references and authors. Similar to Part I in this series, this list is not all encompassing, but serves as an overview of several top education US resources. If you have found other great resources, please mention them in the comments below!
The Ultrasound Podcast by Dr. Matt Dawson, Dr. Mike Mallin, and Dr. Mike Stone originally sought to fill a void, as at the time of this podcast introduction few US resources were available. Today, this resource has given the EM community so much more. From amazing, free podcasts with videos to a great app, this resource provides top-of-the-line ultrasound education. Also look for the free books “Intro to Bedside Ultrasound: Volume 1 and 2” at https://www.inkling.com or iBooks, as well as the app One Minute Ultrasound for iPhone and Android.
This US guide was originally published online by Dr. Beatrice Hoffmann and the ACEP Emergency US section. It serves as a comprehensive reference with still images and videos that educates those of all training levels. The explanations are second-to-none, with a variety of topics including primary EM scanning topics (FAST, aorta, cardiac, gall bladder, renal, DVT), critical care, small parts (ENT, testicular, ocular), and procedures (vascular access, pericardiocentesis, US guided nerve blocks, and many others). The videos have complete explanations, and the still images possess a roll-over function that explains specific anatomical areas of interest.
LIFTL makes the FOAMed list again, providing a full database page with posts, critical care based ultrasound posts, clinical cases with US, and a library with over 40 videos demonstrating key US findings. This is a great reference to use while on shift or if the provider has a specific question in mind.
Ultrasound Village is an online site containing several great features including US modules, lectures, worksheets, quizzes, and references. It also has an image library categorized by system with normal anatomy and pathology. The site provides high-quality education, produced by physicians passionate about education and medical ultrasound.
This resource from Dr. Jacob Avila and Dr. Ben Smith provides a basic how-to video for specific US exams, though videos do not delve into subtle findings or much of the research behind the exam. A link on each video page demonstrates abnormal and normal findings. This resource also provides US reference values for many specific US exams. The creators do have a linked blog to the site (http://blog.5minsono.com) that evaluates updates in scanning technique and new US exams, as well as the literature behind scans.
ICU Sonography is a resource brought to you by Dr. Kishore Pichamuthu and Dr. George John, based on US use for the medical ICU. This resource contains tutorials with tremendous explanations and anatomical images, with videos. The echocardiogram and volume assessment sections are particularly thorough.
This resource comes from the Sinai EM US division. It provides information for medical students, residents, fellows, and attendings on point-of-care US. The site has great tutorials on separate scans that are constantly being updated. One of the best features is a breakdown of the current machines on the market and how to actually use them in the ED.
SonoSpot is truly one of the most comprehensive sites on this list. This resource contains tutorials on standard US examinations, as well as US of the appendix, airway, procedural, pelvic, and pleural examinations. Cases are provided based on anatomy and chief complaint. Best of all, each post contains links to primary literature, making this resource important for academic centers and those with desire for the evidence behind scanning.
SonoWorld is a complete resource for learners of all levels. It contains full lectures, cases, tutorials, literature, and CME. If wanting to use this site in its full glory, registration is needed (which is free). The blog portion is updated daily with articles from around the world for US enthusiasts.
This site from South Carolina is a great resource geared for all learners, but targeting residents, PA’s, nurses, and attending physicians. It provides full lectures, US cases, US still images, and videos on scanning. It contains an entire section of US literature, as well as pediatric centered scanning. If you’re interested in testing your knowledge, you can take three separate tests.
11. http://www.ultrasoundoftheweek.com
Last, but not least, this blog by Dr. Ben Smith and Dr. Jacob Avila (yes, the same creators of http://5minsono.com) provides posts with the mission “learn bedside ultrasound, one week at a time,” with weekly posts based on cases. Each post contains a patient case with high-quality US images, followed by an explanation and case resolution based on the most recent literature.
Thanks for reading, and comment below on other great resources. Stay tuned for our next post on Pediatric EM FOAMed!
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