Content
To avoid the dispersion inherent to the breadth of ultrasound, we define a common core aligned with the international consensuses.
The learning objectives are organised as knowledge items (focused items answering explicit clinical questions).
Training pathway
The training unfolds in four complementary stages:
• Theoretical knowledge
• Basic practice: workshops with models, simulators, and phantoms
• Simulator-based learning: in simulation centers
• Bedside practice: in real clinical settings
Acquiring knowledge (theory)
The items are grouped into modules within six components:
Technical – Cardiac – Pulmonary – Abdominal – Vascular – Protocols.
Progress in the online course is self-paced and verified by multiple-choice questions. A second check of basic knowledge is carried out by the instructors during practical sessions.
To harmonize teaching, regularly updated printable electronic pocket guides serve as references.
Acquiring know-how (basic practice)
Centralised sessions bring together experienced POCUS instructors and 3–4 learners around a healthy volunteer and simulators.
The objective: to master manoeuvres, acoustic windows, and image optimisation.
Reinforcement through simulation
Intensive sessions in a simulation center make it possible to integrate protocols, practice recognizing normal and pathological images, and rehearse scenarios in a safe environment.
Acquiring the ability to use (at the bedside)
Once the theoretical and practical foundations are validated, the learner performs bedside examinations:
• first under direct supervision,
• then, with the instructor’s approval, under deferred or remote supervision.
Success depends on strong learner engagement (completion of the required number of examinations) and the availability of qualified instructors. Each examination is documented in a logbook validated by the instructor(s).
Assessment and certification
We favor a competency-based model rather than a simple count of examinations. Validation is based on:
• formative and summative assessments,
• structured review of the logbook,
• direct validation by accredited instructors.
Conclusion
Our approach shifts from traditional teacher-centered instruction to a participatory, learner-centered framework. The instructor becomes a facilitator; the learner is the principal actor in their journey. This paradigm change promotes durable understanding and the immediate application of the cognitive and psychomotor skills essential to POCUS.
In summary: a clear progression (introductory → basic → advanced), a focused, consensus-based curriculum, guided and assessed practice, and certification based on the demonstration of competence.
Related publications
Tagan D, Bendjelid K, Beaulieu Y, Broccard A, Christen G, Fishman D, Ribordy V. L’échocardiographie par l’urgentiste et l’intensiviste. Rev Med Suisse 2009; 5: 1620-2.
Giraud R, Siegenthaler N, Tagan D, Bendjelid K. Evaluation des compétences requises pour la pratique de l’échocardiographie aux soins intensifs. Rev Med Suisse 2009; 5: 2518-2521.
Giraud R, Siegenthaler N, Tagan D, Bendjelid K. Evaluation des compétences pour la pratique de l’échocardiographie à un niveau avancé aux soins intensifs. Revue Médicale Suisse. Rev Med Suisse 2011; 7: 413-6.
Tagan D, Beaulieu Y. Implémentation de l'ultrasonographie ciblée dans une unité de soins critiques. Praxis 2014; 103: 705-709.
Tagan D, Fumeaux T et Beaulieu Y. Un concept novateur de formation en échographie ciblée pour l’intensiviste utilisant l’e-learning et la simulation. Rev Med Suisse 2015 ; 11 : 785-6.
Vionnet JL, Marti C, Breuss E, Tagan D, Fumeaux T, Grosgurin O. POCUS (Point-of-care ultrasonography) en médecine interne générale : champ d’application et formation [POCUS (Pointof-Care Ultrasonography) in internal general medicine: applications scope and training]. Rev Med Suisse 2021; 27 ;17 :1814-1818.
Bieler S, von Düring S, Tagan D, Grosgurin O, Fumeaux T. Impact of a point-of-care ultrasound training program on the management of patients with acute respiratory or circulatory failure by intraining emergency department residents (IMPULSE): Before-and-After Implementation Study. JMIRx Med 2025;6:e53276.
Tagan D, Beaulieu Y et Grosgurin O. Défi d’un enseignement adapté et rigoureux en ultrasonographie ciblée. Rev Med Suisse 2025;21: 1575-7.