CJEM
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Cholelithiasis and cholecystitis are common conditions that frequently require patients to come to the Emergency Department (ED) and undergo diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test characteristics of emergency physician performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to diagnose cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in a Canadian ED. ⋯ POCUS is reliable for the diagnosis of cholelithiasis and for ruling in cholecystitis. In cases where POCUS is negative or indeterminate for cholecystitis, further imaging should be obtained as clinical suspicion warrants.
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Continuing professional development activities often involve interactive learning modalities, such as simulation. The COVID-19 pandemic limited many in-hospital activities, at a time when practicing high stress procedural scenarios and testing rapidly evolving processes was coveted. ⋯ This reproducible interactive virtual learning model influenced EM physician practice and confidence, improved participation in continuing professional development activities, and identified departmental areas for improvement. Participants have expressed a desire for these interactive virtual cases to continue for beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.