ABC Basic Clinical Ultrasound in Family Medicine: Scaling POCUS Training Across Europe
Raj THAKKAR
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is reshaping family medicine, enabling rapid bedside diagnosis for cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, and musculoskeletal conditions. Building on the successful Pilot Leonardo 3 EURACT project, supported by WONCA Europe and WESIG POCUS, this workshop adapts the ABC Clinical Ultrasound curriculum for a pan-European audience. The initiative was experimented with in a pilot project that has already engaged over 110 expert trainers, who have conducted 4 European workshops with more than 250 participants, demonstrating feasibility and high interest across multiple countries. The program combines evidence-based theoretical training with hands-on practice, fostering standardized, competency-based POCUS education across diverse primary care settings.Learning objectives: Showcase the ABC Clinical Ultrasound curriculum and its European adaptation. Demonstrate practical POCUS applications in everyday family practice with Real Time Demonstration. Explore strategies for building sustainable trainer networks across Europe. Facilitate interactive discussion and shared learning among participants.►Teaching methods: Interactive presentation of the curriculum and its European implementation Case-based discussions illustrating real-world POCUS use Video demonstrations and practical tips for hands-on skill development Group brainstorming on scaling POCUS training and trainer certification Interactive presentation of the curriculum and its European implementation Case-based discussions illustrating real-world POCUS use Video demonstrations and practical tips for hands-on skill development Group brainstorming on scaling POCUS training and trainer certification ►Workshop schedule: 10 min:Introduction – POCUS in European primary care 20 min:ABC Clinical Ultrasound curriculum and Training-of-Trainers model 15 min:Case-based interactive discussion 10 min:Group session – implementation strategies and sustainability 5 min:Key takeaways and next steps for European POCUS collaborationParticipants gain actionable strategies for integrating POCUS into primary care. Standardized curriculum and trainer network approaches are shared to support sustainable skill dissemination. Enhanced collaboration across European WESIG POCUS members, promoting knowledge exchange and harmonized clinical practice. Pilot project data demonstrate strong engagement and feasibility, supporting broader European implementation.This workshop equips family physicians and trainers with practical tools, hands-on techniques, and a networked European framework for POCUS implementation. By combining curriculum innovation, case-based learning, and collaborative discussion, participants will be empowered to improve patient care, strengthen primary care diagnostics, and contribute to a continent-wide culture of evidence-based ultrasound education.
