An interventional study of Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training in Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS Training, sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Taiwan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 99 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-22.
Sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care
This study aims to develop and evaluate a peer-led training program specifically designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to acquire Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) skills. POCUS, known for its non-invasive nature and real-time imaging capability, has been widely applied in clinical fluid status assessment and plays a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic efficiency and quality of care. However, current POCUS training resources for NPs in Taiwan remain insufficient, limiting their clinical application and professional visibility. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study investigates the effectiveness of peer-led instruction in strengthening image interpretation, clinical reasoning, and self-efficacy among NPs. The ultimate goal is to establish an evidence-based, nursing-oriented POCUS education model to fill existing gaps in the training system and elevate the role of NPs in multidisciplinary care.
This quasi-experimental study aims to compare two instructional models-physician-led versus peer NP-led POCUS training-and their effects on learners' outcomes and clinical skill performance.
Methods:
Sixty NPs, either in practice or under training, will be recruited and non-randomly assigned to either the experimental group (peer-led instruction) or the control group (physician-led instruction), based on their course availability, simulating real-world clinical education allocation:
To ensure the quality and standardization of instructional delivery and operational procedures, two groups of nurse practitioners received the training program in separate cohorts. The educational intervention was structured into two phases: the first phase consisted of a two-hour online course covering fundamental ultrasound theory, relevant anatomical structures, and key points in clinical application; the second phase was a four-hour in-person hands-on workshop focusing on clinical scanning techniques and image interpretation skills. The instructional content encompassed five core structures: (1) inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment, (2) pleural effusion detection, (3) ascites identification, (4) hydronephrosis evaluation, and (5) bladder volume estimation and urinary retention interpretation.
Participants completed a pre-test prior to the training, a first post-test immediately after the course, and a second post-test three months later. The assessment tools included: (1) a POCUS knowledge questionnaire, (2) a self-confidence scale, (3) an image interpretation assessment, and (4) an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
National Taiwan University Hospital is the lead sponsor of 2,563 studies on the registry; 569 are open to participants now.
Of its 11 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 2 (18%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Participants aged 18 years or older. Licensed nurse practitioners or nurse practitioner trainees currently enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner training program.
Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Able to participate in the complete training program and study assessments, including baseline, post-training, and 1-month follow-up assessments.
No prior formal POCUS training, or only limited basic exposure without systematic training experience.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants who have previously completed a formal point-of-care ultrasound training program.
Participants who are unable to complete the full training program or study assessment procedures.
-
Participants in this arm will receive a structured POCUS training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The intervention includes a 2-hour online course covering basic ultrasound principles, relevant anatomy, and clinical applications, followed by a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including IVC, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment.
Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
Participants in this group will receive the same structured POCUS training program delivered by trained physician instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment.
Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
Participants will receive a structured point-of-care ultrasound training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session. Training focuses on integrative volume status assessment, including ultrasound evaluation of the inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder volume or urinary retention.
Change in POCUS Clinical Performance Score
POCUS clinical performance will be assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Participants will be evaluated on ultrasound probe positioning, image acquisition, anatomical identification, clinical interpretation, and integration of findings for volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Higher scores indicate better clinical performance.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
Change in POCUS Knowledge Score
POCUS knowledge will be assessed using a structured 10-item questionnaire covering basic ultrasound principles, organ identification, and clinical applications. Higher scores indicate better POCUS knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jun 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
National Taiwan University Hospital