• critical care ultrasound
• echography
• self-efficacy

An increasing number of evidences supports the use of point-of-care ultrasound, especially in critical care departments. The literature also underlines that trainees can quickly acquire the basic skills. However, there is no agreement on a very effective teaching method.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of a 3-day critical care ultrasound course during internship training on critical care fellow’s ultrasound skills, knowledge and attitudes.
The study was carried out in Cisanello University Hospital (Pisa) and included 64 medical and surgical fellows.
Significant improvement was obtained, during the written test, both in correct answers and, above all, in Self Efficacy, which went from 40% at the beginning of the course to 49% in the follow-up lecture, thus showing the effectiveness of this ultrasound imaging course.
The study showed a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of US imaging, confidence in identifying structures, image identification and image acquisition. In the long-term, knowledge of US imaging and confidence in identifying structures declined, suggesting that further education is needed if US is to become a fundamental component of anaesthesiology training and practice.
In cocnlusion, echography has been helpful to the fellows in increasing their findings, altering their clinical diagnosis and therapeutic approach, in reducing their uncertainty.
US equipment availability is necessary to guarantee the long-term effectiveness of the course.