Analysis of the Effectiveness of Inferior Vena Cava and Lung Ultrasound Training for ICU Specialist Nurses

Abstract

Hypothesis: An integrated training model incorporating theory, case-based discussion and hands-on practice can significantly improve the theoretical knowledge of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) specialist nurses in inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (LUS), with a statistically significant increase in their post-training theoretical assessment scores compared with pre-training scores. Primary Outcome: The median pre-training theoretical score of ICU specialist nurses in IVC and LUS was 30 points (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 15 - 44), which increased significantly to 65.5 points (IQR: 49.5 - 73.5) after training (Z = ?6.214, P Background: As bedside techniques for volume management in critically ill patients, IVC and LUS offer the advantages of non-invasiveness, convenience and real-time monitoring, and are recommended in multiple clinical guidelines for disease assessment and treatment decision-making. The application of ultrasound technology in the nursing field is expanding, and in particular, the participation of ICU specialist nurses in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a development trend. However, most ICU nurses in China lack systematic specialized training, resulting in inadequate theoretical knowledge and operational skills to meet clinical demands. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated training model of theory, case-based discussion and hands-on practice in improving ICU specialist nurses’ proficiency in IVC and LUS, and to provide evidence-based evidence for optimizing the ultrasound training system for specialist nurses. Methods: A self-controlled before-and-after study design was adopted with convenience sampling. A total of 47 ICU specialist nurses from 45 hospitals in 29 cities across 15 provinces in China were enrolled to receive a 2-day intensive training program. Theoretical knowledge was assessed via closed-book examinations before and after the training. Post-training assessments included basic ultrasound operation, LUS operation and IVC ultrasound operation on human models in accordance with standardized operating procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. Results: The median pre-training theoretical score was 30 points (IQR: 15 - 44), with only 3 participants (6.4%) scoring over 60 points; the median post-training theoretical score reached 65.5 points (IQR: 49.5 - 73.5), with a pass rate of 95.7% (Z = ?6.214, P Conclusion: Targeted specialized ultrasound training can significantly improve the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of ICU specialist nurses, and this training model has strong feasibility and promotional value. It is recommended to establish a long-term mechanism combining basic training, clinical practice and regular retraining, integrated with simulation teaching and clinical supervision, to continuously improve the standardization and proficiency of nurses’ ultrasound operations.