Background: Ultrasound allows for the real-time visualization of tissue structures using high-frequency sound waves (Hadzic, 2012). This visualization method is both quick and noninvasive and aids in the clinical decision-making process of anesthesia providers. Assessing gastric contents is one of the many applications of ultrasound during the perioperative timeframe. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to provide in-service education to anesthesia providers, which includes Anesthesiologists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), on how to perform a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of gastric contents. Methods: Through surveys administered before and after the educational intervention, this project aimed to increase participants’ comprehensive knowledge and use of this tool. Results: Nine anesthesia providers from the community hospital participated in this study. The Likert questions had significant pretest-posttest differences: “I feel confident performing a gastric POCUS” had t=9.52 for a p<.001. “I feel confident interpreting a gastric POCUS” had t=8.81 for a p<.001. “I plan on incorporating gastric POCUS into my practice” had a t=3.6 for a p<.001. “I have access to the equipment necessary to perform a gastric POCUS” had a t=3.08 for a p=.003. “I know where to document and bill for gastric POCUS” had a t=9.77 for a p<.001. All multiple-choice questions showed an increase in accuracy from pretest to posttest. Conclusion: The results of this data conclude that video education improves anesthesia providers knowledge, skills, and desire to use POCUS of gastric contents. Keywords: POCUS, gastric ultrasound, anesthesia, community hospital, bariatric surgery
