Neuromuscular Ultrasound Training in Neuromuscular Fellowship Programs in Canada: Minding the Gap

Introduction/aims: Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is gaining prominence as a valuable tool for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders at the point of care. Neuromuscular disorder diagnostic criteria guidelines have begun incorporating NMUS findings. As interest grows, fellowship programs must consider incorporating training into their curricula. This study evaluated the current state of NMUS training, potential barriers, and interest in training across Canadian neuromuscular fellowship programs.

Methods: A 23-question online survey was developed and distributed via email to all 10 neuromuscular fellowship program directors across Canada.

Results: Seven (70%) programs responded to the survey. There was general agreement among programs on the value of NMUS, however, only one (14.3%) program reported they would consider recent graduates to be competent in NMUS. Critical barriers to incorporation of NMUS training included lack of a formalized curriculum, faculty expertise and time, and equipment. Two (28.6%) programs reported that accessibility of equipment and one (14.3%) that faculty expertise was not a barrier to NMUS training. Two (28.6%) programs have local NMUS training options available to fellows (in only one program is NMUS training mandatory). All programs expressed interest in additional training opportunities, and three (43%) programs reported taking steps toward incorporating NMUS training into their curricula.

Discussion: NMUS training is in its infancy in Canada, with several common barriers identified across programs. There is universal interest in further NMUS training opportunities for fellows, highlighting the importance of a common approach to addressing the educational gap to support development of formalized NMUS training mechanisms in Canada.