An anonymous online survey was distributed to individual members of AFEM and affiliated organisa-tions. The questionnaire was tested by the AFEM Scientific Committee for potential content modifications priorto distribution. Summary statistics are presented.
Results:
Of the 220 participants that were analysed, 148 (67.3%) were using ePOCUS. The mean age was 36 years;146 (66%) were male; and 198 (90%) obtained their primary medical qualification in Africa. In total, 168 (76%) were doctors, and most participants (n = 204, 93%) have worked in Africa during the last 5 years. Reasons for not using ePOCUS mainly related to lack of training and problems with ultrasound machines or consumables. Most ePOCUS users (116/148, 78%) attended courses with hands-on training, but only 65 (44%) participants were credentialed (by 18 different organizations). The median score for self-perceived level of ePOCUS skills was 75 in credentialed users versus 50 in those that were not credentialed. Ultrasound in trauma was the most frequently used module (n = 141, 99%), followed by focused cardiac assessment (n = 128, 90%) and thoracic (including lung) assessment (n = 128, 90.1%). The FASH-module (Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV/TB) was the least used (n = 69, 49%).