The Design and Evaluation of the Comprehensive Hospitalist Assessment and Mentorship with Portfolios (CHAMP) Ultrasound Program

BACKGROUND: Literature supports the use of point-of-care ultrasound performed by the treating hospitalist in the diagnosis of common diseases. There is no consensus on the training paradigm or the evaluation of skill retention for hospitalists.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive bedside ultrasound training program with postcourse competency assessments for hospitalists.DESIGN: A retrospective report of a training program with 53 hospitalists. The program consisted of online modules, a 3-day in-person course, portfolios, 1-day refresher training, monthly scanning, and assessments. Hospitalists were rated by using similar pre- and postcourse competency assessments and self-rating parameters during the 3-day and refresher courses.SETTING: A large tertiary-care center.RESULTS: Skills increased after the 3-day course from a median preassessment score of 15% correct (interquartile range [IQR] 10%-25%) to a median postassessment score of 90% (IQR 80%-95%; P