Other Tools for POCUS

Rotation Schedule

Daily Schedule:

• Start time: 9h00

• End time: 15h00

Specificities

Number of Residents per block = 3

Offered: Twice per Academic Year

Location:

• Jewish General Hospital NICU

• Montreal Children’s Hospital NICU

Preparatory Information:

• All residents must come to the rotation prepared having reviewed the material online that was provided to them via email confirmation of their placement in the course.

Example of Reports

Cranial Ultrasound

Crashing Neonate

Lung Ultrasound

ITER (evaluation tool) and Rotation Objectives

SonoSIM User Guide

Quick User Guide – SonoSIM (Simulation Ultrasound Platform)

1. Access & Login

• Go to the SonoSIM website: https://sonosim.com

• Each simulation case box includes:

  • A probe

  • A username & password (e.g., Learner 1, Learner 2, etc.)

• Use these credentials to log in.

• Remember: we have 5 learner accounts active at any one time.

2. Software Installation

• The SonoSimulator software must be downloaded and installed on a computer that meets the minimum system requirements:

  • Windows (PC):

    • Windows 10 or later,

    • Intel i5 or higher, 8 GB RAM, 20+ GB free storage, USB 3.0 port.

  • Mac (OSX):

    • macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later,

    • Intel i5 or Apple M1/M2 chip, 8 GB RAM, 20+ GB free storage, USB-C/USB 3.0 port.

• Download link available through the SonoSIM login portal.

• Software must be installed before doing any hands-on virtual practice.

• Theoretical modules can be accessed online without downloading the simulator. **You will need a USB port to connect the probe to the computer.

3. Equipment Rules

• 5 learners maximum can use the system simultaneously.

• Probe distribution:

  • 3 probes stored in the computer room, locker 1. (Ask POCUS leaders for combination of the locker).

  • 1 probe dedicated to NNPs in Sarah Francoeur’s office.

  • 1 probe in Dr Emilie Filion-Ouellet’s office (for staff/overflow use).

• Important rules:

  • Do not bring probes or hardware home.

  • Return probes immediately to their designated location after use.

  • Contact Emilie or Sarah  for any issues or technical questions.

** If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements, a dedicated laptop will be made available and will soon be added to the shared equipment.

4. Recommended Learning Path

1. Start with Introductory Modules

   • General introduction to ultrasound physics and knobology.

2. Theoretical Modules (Pathophysiology & POCUS Applications)

   • Review disease processes and the role of POCUS.

   • Can be done anywhere online, no simulator needed.

3. Practical Modules

   • Require the downloaded SonoSimulator software and use of the probe.

   • Follow the steps to calibrate the probe (need to be calibrated on a flat surface)

   • These modules allow virtual scanning practice.

** “Always calibrate your SonoSim probe before each new case to ensure that the virtual probe aligns with your hand movements properly.”

To calibrate: Hold the probe in the Start Position: footprint flat on a stable surface, with indicator pointed left, and probe body not tilted. If scanning a structure that requires a near-horizontal probe orientation, anchor the probe’s footprint (e.g., on your palm or a phantom) to avoid drift. Phantom limbs can be found in Martine Chagnon’s office

5. Suggested Neonatology Use Cases

Based on neonatal POCUS priorities, suggested modules include:

• Ultrasound physics and fundamentals

• Neonatal and infant neurosonography

• Lung anatomy and physiology & Pediatric Lung Sonography Advanced clinical Ultrasound training

• Airway anatomy and airway clinical

• Heart anatomy and physiology, Cardiology core clinical, FoCUS Advanced Clinical Ultrasound Training Part 1and 2, Aorta and IVC,

• Abdomen clinical ultrasound, Liver anatomy and physiology, intestinal/biliary, GI tract and gastric

• Bladder anatomy and physiology and Bladder Scanning

• Introduction to ultrasound guided procedures, Peripheral Venous Access, Ultrasound-Guided Neonatal & Infant Lumbar Puncture, Ultrasound-Guided Paracentesis, Ultrasound-Guided Pericardiocentesis, Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis

✅ Summary :

• Step 1: Log in with Learner account

• Step 2: Clean probe before/after use

• Step 3: Start with Intro Module → then theory → then practice

• Step 4: Respect equipment rules (locker return, 5 users max, no take-home)

• For questions, contact Emilie Filion-Ouellet or Sarah Francoeur