POCUS Carnival

Name: POCUS Carnival
Author: Indiana University

Indiana University

VALIDATED

Initial evidence from research studies

For:Clinicians & Healthcare ProfessionalsStudents

Free

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App Summary

POCUS Carnival is a gamified educational tool for medical students and clinicians designed to teach and practice point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) skills like image interpretation and clinical integration. An evaluation (N=265) of a POCUS gamification event for medical students found that knowledge assessment scores significantly improved from pre- to post-workshop (68% vs 78%), as did self-reported comfort with POCUS skills. The associated research concludes that gamification with clear learning objectives can effectively improve student knowledge of and comfort with using POCUS.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism POCUS Carnival delivers point-of-care ultrasound training through a gamified interface. The system comprises three distinct mini-games designed to develop and reinforce skills in ultrasound probe positioning, image interpretation, and pathology identification. Sessions involve objective-based challenges where performance metrics are used to award points. These points can then unlock modules of increasing difficulty. The interface is engineered to provide immediate feedback, facilitating an iterative learning process for core POCUS competencies within a simulated, low-risk environment.

Evidence & Research Context

The app's pedagogical model is supported by a prospective observational study of a gamified POCUS training event for fourth-year medical students (N=265).
The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in POCUS knowledge assessment scores after the 2.5-hour gamified session (68% pre-test vs. 78% post-test).
Participants also reported a significant increase in self-assessed comfort with image acquisition, interpretation, and clinical integration following the event.
The majority of the student cohort (82%) had little to no prior POCUS experience, suggesting the model's applicability for novice learners.

Intended Use & Scope This application is designed as a supplementary educational tool for medical students, residents, and other clinicians-in-training to reinforce foundational POCUS knowledge. Its primary utility is for skill practice and knowledge consolidation. The tool does not replace formal, proctored instruction or hands-on clinical practice and is not intended for diagnostic use.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Effectiveness/Outcome Study

Gamification of POCUS: Are Students Learning?

Russell et al. (2023) · Western Journal of Emergency Medicine

Knowledge scores improved from 68% to 78% and students reported increased comfort with ultrasound skills.

Introduction: While gamification of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is well received by learners, little is known about the knowledge gained from material taught during these events. We set out to determine whether a POCUS gamification event improved knowledge of interpretation and clinical integration of POCUS. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of fourth-year medical students who participated in a 2.5-hour POCUS gamification event consisting of eight objective-oriented stations. Each station had one to three learning objectives associated with the content taught. Students completed a pre-assessment; they then participated in the gamification event in groups of three to five per station and subsequently completed a post-assessment. Differences between pre- and post-session responses were matched and analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Fisher's exact test. Results: We analyzed data from 265 students with matched pre- and post-event responses; 217 (82%) students reported no to little prior POCUS experience. Most students were going into internal medicine (16%) and pediatrics (11%). Knowledge assessment scores significantly improved from pre- to post-workshop, 68% vs 78% (P=0.04). Self-reported comfort with image acquisition, interpretation, and clinical integration all significantly improved from pre- to post-gamification event (P<0.001). Conclusion: In this study we found that gamification of POCUS, with clear learning objectives, led to improved student knowledge of POCUS interpretation, clinical integration, and self-reported comfort with POCUS.

In the Media

New POCUS education requirements coming to clerkships

IU School of Medicine launched new POCUS education requirements for Phase 2 students, providing each student with their own handheld device and iPad Mini for hands-on training across multiple clerkships. "We're excited for the opportunity to put a handheld POCUS device in the hands of every one of our Phase 2 medical students," said POCUS Director Rob Ferre, MD. The program begins this April with the Class of 2027 and includes required coursework in obstetric anesthesia, internal medicine, family medicine, and surgery clerkships.

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POCUS Carnival - Apps on Google Play

Indiana University developed POCUS Carnival to help medical students and sonographers practice ultrasound image identification skills, using a gamified carnival-themed approach with mini-games. The app features three mini-games that help users practice skills ranging from probe position placement to pathology identification, with players earning tickets to unlock harder difficulties and trophies. The app was updated on November 7, 2024.

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