Advanced application certification update
So you have been using the core POCUS applications for a while. You have your CEUS IP certification and you supervise scans for students and colleagues when you have the chance.
But you aren’t content with your core skill mastery. You attended an advanced application course like EDE 2 and are using many of these new scans in your practice. Now you want to take your skills to “eleven” because, to paraphrase the immortal rock band Spinal Tap , it’s one more than ten.
How do you achieve this goal?
And just as important, how do you get recognized for achieving this goal?
Simple! You obtain the new IP2 certificate!
CEUS has developed four new skill streams to recognize those who have achieved a mastery in various advanced applications.
1. Resuscitative Stream (cardiac, IVC, pulmonary)
2. Diagnostic (GB, renal, ocular, DVT, bladder)
3. MSK (bones, joints, fractures, some soft tissue)
4. Needle guidance (joint aspiration, FB detection, vascular access, pericardiocentesis, pleurocentesis, paracentesis)
Like the IP certification, IP2 involves performing supervised scans and three sets of exams, (practical, written, and visual). But unlike IP, the advanced program allows you to obtain roughly half of your required scans by recording them and submitting this portfolio to your instructor. (Note: The needle guidance stream involves an observed standardized practical exam using simulators. But go ahead and record procedures if you get a chance!)
For example, should you want to obtain IP2 diagnostic stream certification, as part of the process you will need 50 determinate scans of the gallbladder. Ideally some of these can be positive scans. You can record up to 25 of these scans yourself and bring them to your supervisor for credit towards your total.
CEUS is currently beta-testing the exams and certification process. A group of IP2-qualified instructors are being recruited to run the exams.
So where does this leave you now?
Start recording your scans!
Start putting together your best scans now and when it comes time to challenge the exams you will be one step closer to being done.
The newest version of the CEUS IP2 guidelines will be issued soon with all the details for each certification stream. You may wish to obtain one or more of these certifications depending on your practice.
Meanwhile, find out where the video clip button is on your machine and save all those videos, particularly when you discover a great positive! It’s a good idea for QA but also a great idea for improving your own skills. Get a USB key and archive those great videos now so you will be ready this fall when IP2 goes live!
Addendum: We are not trying to force IP2 on everyone!
There have been concerns raised about forcing practitioners to obtain the IP2 certificate when they already have become proficient in certain advanced applications. The program is not for everyone and doesn’t seek to dictate requirements for privileging. You may have been safely doing POCUS guided procedures for years or looking for hydronephrosis in your renal colic patients quite effectively and don’t need CEUS telling you what to do. You are a medical professional and self-regulation is part of the deal.
CEUS developed IP2 because of a growing number of requests from those who have completed basic IP certification and are now looking to practice advanced applications. These clinicians want the same high-standard process to help them obtain and document their new skill set, particularly as there remain many political and logistical obstacles to POCUS in the emergency department.
IP2 is just another tool available for those who need or want it. CME accreditation is in the works and should be available for the fall as well so there will be further recognition of your efforts.
When beta-testing is complete this fall expect more information.
Stay tuned, more to come!
Greg
VP CEUS