A scoping review of the use of ultrasound as an educational tool for undergraduate medical education

Abstract Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to explore the breadth of the literature and key characteristics related to point of care ultrasound (POCUS) teaching in undergraduate medical education. Introduction: POCUS is taught in medical schools in the USA and Europe and the number of publications on ultrasound-based education has risen exponentially in recent years. (3,5,7) Previous scoping reviews on the topic are now dated and current insights are necessitated. Inclusion criteria: The participants, concept, context (PCC) framework distinguished this review’s inclusion criteria. Studies referring to the concept of ultrasound for medical education (e.g. in anatomy/physiology), clinical examination skills, and for clinical decision making (e.g. free fluid assessments) are included. Participants are graduate-entry or undergraduate-entry medical students, and the context for this review refers to undergraduate medical education settings. Studies referring to postgraduate-based education or diagnostic ultrasound will be excluded. Methods: This review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews and the recommended Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA- ScR checklist). A comprehensive search strategy developed with a medical librarian will search the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, ERIC and a reference list screening will be undertaken. The grey literature will also be searched to ensure comprehensive coverage. Searches will be limited to English language due to resource limitations. Screening and data extraction will be performed by two independent reviewers.