POCUS Carnival

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.