NCT07159269 · Duke University
Cardiac point-of Care Ultrasound Training Pathway for Emergency Department Advanced Practice Providers
What this study is about
The aim of this study is to assess emergency medicine physician and advanced practice provider (APP) knowledge and technical skill in performance of a point-of-care ultrasound simulation and just-in-time training pathway to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the ultrasound training program.
View original scientific description
The aim of this study is to assess emergency medicine physician and advanced practice provider (APP) knowledge and technical skill in performance of a point-of-care ultrasound simulation and just-in-time training pathway to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the ultrasound training program. By performing this study, we hope to create a standardized training model which could potentially facilitate point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) clinical performance and thereby improve patient care.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training and clinical pathway
Participants will complete a cardiac POCUS simulation session and a hands-on observed structured clinical skill exam (OSCE) post-training led by ultrasound-trained faculty. Then as part of standard clinical care, advanced practice providers (APPs) will perform POCUS while supervised by emergency medicine (EM) attending physicians. To assess program feasibility and acceptability, participants will complete a pre/post and 6-month post-survey and semi-structured interview, as well as a knowledge and technical skills assessment.
Primary outcome measures
Aim 1: Assess the feasibility of implementing a just-in-time cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) clinical training pathway for advanced practice providers (APPs) using the Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework.
Time frame: 1-2 years for each study site
Participants will complete a cardiac POCUS simulation session and a hands-on structured clinical skill exam post-training (OSCE) led by ultrasound-trained faculty. Then as part of standard clinical care, APPs will perform POCUS while supervised by EM attending physicians. The primary outcome assesses program feasibility and acceptability. Participants will complete a pre/post and 6-month post-survey and semi-structured interview. Survey questions are structured based on the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) survey tool. This is scored on a Likert scale from 1-5.
Aim 1: Acceptability of the Intervention as measured by the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)
Time frame: 1-2 years for each study site
The AIM is scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, where a higher score indicates greater acceptability.
Aim 1: Appropriateness of the Intervention as measured by the Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)
Time frame: 1-2 years for each study site
The IAM is scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, where a higher score indicates greater appropriateness.
Aim 1: Feasibility of the Intervention as measured by the Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) survey tool
Time frame: 1-2 years for each study site
The FIM is scored on a Likert scale from 1 to 5, where a higher score indicates greater appropriateness.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- advanced practice providers (APPs) currently working in our ED, with additional APPs as they are hired (expected to be about 75 APPs total within the next 3 years due to expanding staffing needs and coverage models).
Exclusion criteria
- non-APPs such as physicians, nurses, or other clinical staff
Where
- Durham, North Carolina
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations