Training guidelines for ultrasound: worldwide trends

Sound travels through objects that block light. Only very recently has technology advanced enough to decipher ultrasound for medical use. Machines have become smaller, cheaper, more versatile and more advanced than ever before. The medical use of ultrasound spreads across many fields so that traditional areas no longer have a monopoly. With this comes the question of training doctors. This has been done by various colleges and societies worldwide. Some have been quicker to act than others. There also needs to be an understanding of when broad experience and advanced technical skills are required or when limited skills will do. In addition, some procedures can be performed more safely with ultrasound where the knowledge of ultrasound is not paramount. This article covers current provision of training in echocardiography and ultrasound in areas relevant to anaesthetists who are working in critical care (including accident and emergency) and complex surgery (mainly cardiac).