Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

The Rural Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Strategy supports the integration of ultrasound technology into rural healthcare practice, improving diagnostic capacity and patient care. Through training initiatives, research, and coaching programs, the strategy aims to expand POCUS access in rural BC, enhancing healthcare equity and efficiency.

“Learning POCUS skills and gaining access to a probe through the POCUS Nursing Stations project has been a game changer for the assessment of many of my patients and a breath of fresh air in my remote nursing career. In our low-resource setting, this small device has become a powerful tool for patient assessments. It’s empowering to scan someone in real time with a radiologist on the RTVS POCUS line and use that information to make more informed decisions with other RTVS physicians.”

Katie LaRone, Xeni Nursing Station, Participant for POCUS for Nursing Station Project

Achievements

Advancing Rural Imaging Knowledge: BCMJ Feature on Haida Gwaii

In July 2025, a publication on the innovative use of point-of-care ultrasound improves health care on Haida Gwaii was spotlighted on the cover of the BC Medical Journal, authored by Tandi Wilkinson, MD, CCFP-EM, FCFP, Jason Curran, MPH, Virginia Robinson, MD, CCFP-EM, FCFP, Nicole Moon, MHA, Ievgeniia Rozhenko, MA, and Tracey DeLeeuw.

The article highlights how local clinicians are using handheld ultrasound devices to improve access to diagnostics, particularly in urgent and emergency situations where timely imaging is crucial.

Expanding Access: POCUS in Nursing Station Pilot Project

Three remote nursing stations are currently taking part in a pilot project designed to bring POCUS directly into community-based care. Nurses in these sites have received two days of in-person training and handheld ultrasound devices to integrate imaging into their daily assessments. This initiative recognizes the critical role nurses play in rural primary care and equips them with technology that enhances both confidence and diagnostic certainty.

Rural Knowledge Translation of POCUS

Strong collaboration continues to power knowledge translation and skill-building across rural POCUS communities. Ongoing relationships with UBC HOUSE, the Coaching and Mentoring Program (CAMP), Rural POCUS Rounds, and the upcoming POCUS Congress 2.0 are providing vital spaces for clinicians to share experiences, refine techniques, and learn from peers.

Explore the numbers

900 Registrants

900 Registrants for Rural POCUS Rounds in 2025.

122 HOUSE Participants

The HOUSE program delivered 14 courses to 122 participants over the year.

10 Community Courses

HOUSE courses were delivered in 10 communities including the following RSA communities in BC: Burns Lake, Campbell River, Creston, Dease Lake, Fort St. John, qathet, Salmon Arm, Sechelt and Vanderhoof.

Making a Difference

“I feel more confident recognizing key findings and integrating POCUS into clinical decision-making. It will support faster diagnosis, improved patient triage, and more efficient use of limited resources in rural practice.”

Rural POCUS Rounds Participant

Project Partnership

The POCUS Project continued to strengthen partnerships across the province, working closely with UBC CPD, the HOUSE Course, the Coaching and Mentoring Program, and the Practice Support Program to support rural physicians at every stage of their POCUS journey. Through these collaborations, the team created practical, accessible learning opportunities tailored to rural practice. Expertise was also shared with partners including the SFU Department of Medical Education, UBC undergraduate medical education case studies, the South Okanagan Rural Residency Program, and the Rural Ultrasound Fellowship Program, expanding access to POCUS training for learners and practitioners across British Columbia.

Plans for the Future

Building on the momentum of current work, the POCUS team is looking to deepen connections and broaden learning opportunities across rural and remote communities.

Rural POCUS Congress: Planning is underway for the next iteration of the Rural POCUS Congress, bringing together rural practitioners and partners to share new insights, tools, and stories from the field. The event took place on May 28, 2026, in connection with the BC Rural Health Conference in Prince George.
Ongoing Rural POCUS Rounds: Regular rounds will continue to offer peer learning, knowledge exchange, and case-based discussions that reflect real-world rural practice.
Expanding access: The POCUS for Nursing Stations project will be evaluated and expanded, ensuring frontline healthcare teams have the training and support they need to integrate ultrasound into patient care.
Live POCUS Hour: In response to numerous requests, the Live POCUS Hour will return.