Peer-Learning Versus Physician-Led POCUS Training for Nurse Practitioners in Integrative Volume Status Assessment

June 16, 2026 updated by: National Taiwan University Hospital

Feasibility of a Peer-Learning Ultrasound Program to Enhance Nurse Practitioners' Competence in Integrative Volume Status Assessment

This study aims to develop and evaluate a peer-led training program specifically designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to acquire Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) skills. POCUS, known for its non-invasive nature and real-time imaging capability, has been widely applied in clinical fluid status assessment and plays a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic efficiency and quality of care. However, current POCUS training resources for NPs in Taiwan remain insufficient, limiting their clinical application and professional visibility. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study investigates the effectiveness of peer-led instruction in strengthening image interpretation, clinical reasoning, and self-efficacy among NPs. The ultimate goal is to establish an evidence-based, nursing-oriented POCUS education model to fill existing gaps in the training system and elevate the role of NPs in multidisciplinary care.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This quasi-experimental study aims to compare two instructional models-physician-led versus peer NP-led POCUS training-and their effects on learners' outcomes and clinical skill performance.

Methods:

Sixty NPs, either in practice or under training, will be recruited and non-randomly assigned to either the experimental group (peer-led instruction) or the control group (physician-led instruction), based on their course availability, simulating real-world clinical education allocation:

  • Experimental group: Hands-on training led by NPs who have completed a structured POCUS curriculum and passed both teaching and practical assessments.
  • Control group: Hands-on training delivered by specialist physicians.

To ensure the quality and standardization of instructional delivery and operational procedures, two groups of nurse practitioners received the training program in separate cohorts. The educational intervention was structured into two phases: the first phase consisted of a two-hour online course covering fundamental ultrasound theory, relevant anatomical structures, and key points in clinical application; the second phase was a four-hour in-person hands-on workshop focusing on clinical scanning techniques and image interpretation skills. The instructional content encompassed five core structures: (1) inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment, (2) pleural effusion detection, (3) ascites identification, (4) hydronephrosis evaluation, and (5) bladder volume estimation and urinary retention interpretation.

Participants completed a pre-test prior to the training, a first post-test immediately after the course, and a second post-test three months later. The assessment tools included: (1) a POCUS knowledge questionnaire, (2) a self-confidence scale, (3) an image interpretation assessment, and (4) an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

60

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

  • Taiwan
    • Taipei
      • Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan, 100
        • National Taiwan University Hospital
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants aged 18 years or older. Licensed nurse practitioners or nurse practitioner trainees currently enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner training program.

Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Able to participate in the complete training program and study assessments, including baseline, post-training, and 1-month follow-up assessments.

No prior formal POCUS training, or only limited basic exposure without systematic training experience.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who have previously completed a formal point-of-care ultrasound training program.

Participants who are unable to complete the full training program or study assessment procedures.

-

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer Teaching Group
Participants in this arm will receive a structured POCUS training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The intervention includes a 2-hour online course covering basic ultrasound principles, relevant anatomy, and clinical applications, followed by a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including IVC, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment.
Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
Participants will receive a structured point-of-care ultrasound training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session. Training focuses on integrative volume status assessment, including ultrasound evaluation of the inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder volume or urinary retention.
Active Comparator: Experimental
Participants in this group will receive the same structured POCUS training program delivered by trained physician instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment.
Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
Participants will receive a structured point-of-care ultrasound training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session. Training focuses on integrative volume status assessment, including ultrasound evaluation of the inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder volume or urinary retention.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in POCUS Clinical Performance Score
Time Frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
POCUS clinical performance will be assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Participants will be evaluated on ultrasound probe positioning, image acquisition, anatomical identification, clinical interpretation, and integration of findings for volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Higher scores indicate better clinical performance.
Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in POCUS Knowledge Score
Time Frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
POCUS knowledge will be assessed using a structured 10-item questionnaire covering basic ultrasound principles, organ identification, and clinical applications. Higher scores indicate better POCUS knowledge.
Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

National Taiwan University Hospital

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

August 2, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

October 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

November 30, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 16, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 16, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 16, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 202507102RINE

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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