[Learning ultrasonography: where do the anesthesiology residents of the French north-eastern sector currently stand?].

Objective: Ultrasonography is in continuing expansion in anesthesiology and critical care medicine (ACCM). It is an operator-dependent tool whose contribution is partly related to the quality of the user's initial and subsequent training. Within the framework of the ACCM residency, the French north-east anesthesiology residents have an initiation to ultrasonography by 24 hours of formal lectures. The evaluation of this teaching has not yet been performed. The objective of this survey is to depict this learning and delineate the expectations of the residents.

Methods: An anonymous computerized self-rated survey, published on a specific internet website, was performed between September 2011 and January 2012, and addressed to the ACCM residents of the French north-east anesthesiology residency by the local coordinators. It consisted in several items: current abilities and aims in echography, equipment availability and frequency of use, existence of a potential independent ultrasonography training, desired improvements, evaluation of the teaching and interest of rendering it mandatory, potential interest in creating a form of assessment.

Results: In total, 105 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate 44%). The distribution of respondents was homogeneous from the 1st to the 5th year of residency. Thirty percent of residents had good knowledge or mastered echocardiography. Ultrasound-guiding during vascular access was the best acquired technique: 73% masterized or had good knowledge of it. The results were more mitigated regarding ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) (60%), trans-cranial echography (46%), FAST-echo (23%), pleuro-pulmonary echography (38%). At the end of the ACCM residency, 69% wished to master echocardiography and 86% UGRA. The echograph was used more than once a week (76%) and of easy access (93%). The teaching was mainly theoretical; 76% of the residents were unsatisfied and nine out of ten had followed an echography training outside the ACCM residency courses or intended to do so. Moreover, 78% wished a mandatory echography learning, with seminars and a strengthened practical training: 94% considered workshops indispensable, and 62% simulation sessions. An assessment of knowledge was found useful, particularly in practical form. The realization of a training rotation with echographic orientation was desired by 78% of respondents.

Conclusion: A clear gap exists between the real capability in echocardiography and the intended one. UGRA and echocardiography raise a particular interest. The practical training in ultrasonography using simulation and workshops is to be favored.