SOFPOG collaborates with Rutgers Medical School and Faculty of Family Medicine, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons to train Family Physicians on Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a crucial tool for timely decision making by healthcare workers at the bedside. Under the auspices of the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s International Surgical Health Initiative (ISHI) in collaboration with the Society of Family Physicians of Ghana (SOFPOG) and the Faculty of Family Medicine of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, a 3-day Point of Care Ultrasound course was organized at the Hephzibah Christian Centre, Peduase, from 12^th to 14^th September 2023.

The objectives of the workshop were to

1. Equip participants with basic understanding of the fundamentals of ultrasound technology and its applications in medical diagnostics
2. Enhance participants proficiency in performing ultrasound scans across various clinical settings
3. Foster a collaborative learning environment between participants and facilitators

Workshop Highlights

Over the course of the three days, the workshop covered a diverse range of topics and activities, including:

-introduction to the physics of ultrasound, instrumentation, imaging principles and the basics of POCUS

– basic focused cardiac, lung and pleural ultrasound scans; ultrasound techniques commonly used in the Emergency Departments; commonly used ultrasound guided nerve blocks

-Hands on training sessions where participants practiced scanning on techniques on participant volunteers and consented patients at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, Mampong-Akuapem.

-Case studies and real-world scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice

Key Takeaways

Participants  gained valuable insights and skills including

-Understanding of basic principles of ultrasound and improved interpretation of basic anatomy and common health problems encountered using ultrasound.

-Proficiency in conducting basic focused cardiac and lung ultrasound scans; eFAST and RUSH scans; and common nerve blocks.

-A deeper understanding of ultrasound artifacts and their significance.

-Strategies for optimizing image quality

-Exposure to modern ultrasound equipment and software

There were a total of 25 participants and 8 facilitators. The facilitators included a seven-member team from ISHI ( Dr Ziad Sifri, Professor of Trauma and Critical Care Rutgers and President of ISHI; Dr. Harsh Sule, Associate Prof Emergency Medicine, RMNJ Dr. Enoch Obeng, ER Attending Stanford University Medical Centre; Dr Amtul Mansoor, Cardiology Fellow; Dr Chu Luo, Anesthesiology Resident; Dr Zoulfira Nisnevitch-Savarese, Anesthesiologist; two faculty from Family Medicine,GCPS, Professors Akye Essuman , Faculty Chair, and Mawuli Gyakubo; and the SOFPOG President Dr George Nketiah.

Report compiled by Dr Nana Akosua Konadu Darko