Training and Remote Support Using Handheld Ultrasound for Community Physicians in Conflict-Affected Syria

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the feasibility of training community physicians in conflict-affected areas of Syria to use point-of-care ultrasound POCUS devices. This study aims to assess how well a training program combined with remote quality assurance can be implemented in settings where conventional imaging is not available. The focus is on physicians working in village clinics to improve diagnostic capabilities under resource-limited and high-risk conditions. The study involves a two-day in-person training course that teaches POCUS applications including cardiac, lung, focused assessment with sonography for trauma FAST, and soft-tissue imaging. After training, each participating clinic receives a handheld Butterfly ultrasound device. Physicians upload their ultrasound examinations to a cloud platform for expert review and feedback, enabling remote quality assurance and ongoing support. Participants will be assessed immediately after the course on their satisfaction and confidence using POCUS. Researchers will also monitor early use of ultrasound in clinical practice during follow-up. The study includes evaluations of training effectiveness and practical implementation, with participation lasting from the training through follow-up. The main measurement is immediate post-course satisfaction, collected right after course completion.

Feasibility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training and Remote Quality Assurance for Community Physicians in Conflict-Affected Syria