Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS TrainingNCT07660016
Peer-Learning Versus Physician-Led POCUS Training for Nurse Practitioners in Integrative Volume Status Assessment
A study testing Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training in people with Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS Training, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
This study aims to develop and evaluate a peer-led training program specifically designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to acquire Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) skills. POCUS, known for its non-invasive nature and real-time imaging capability, has been widely applied in clinical fluid status assessment and plays a… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 99 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS Training
- What is being tested?
- Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 2 Aug 2026to 30 Nov 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 99 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants aged 18 years or older. Licensed nurse practitioners or nurse practitioner trainees currently enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner training program.
- Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Able to participate in the complete training program and study assessments, including baseline, post-training, and 1-month follow-up assessments.
- No prior formal POCUS training, or only limited basic exposure without systematic training experience.
Who cannot join
- Participants who have previously completed a formal point-of-care ultrasound training program.
- Participants who are unable to complete the full training program or study assessment procedures.
- -
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Taiwan1 site
National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taipei, 100
Chiang-Yi Chen, master, 0928124530, a865292@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Feasibility of a Peer-Learning Ultrasound Program to Enhance Nurse Practitioners' Competence in Integrative Volume Status Assessment
This study aims to develop and evaluate a peer-led training program specifically designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to acquire Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) skills. POCUS, known for its non-invasive nature and real-time imaging capability, has been widely applied in clinical fluid status assessment and plays a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic efficiency and quality of care. However, current POCUS training resources for NPs in Taiwan remain insufficient, limiting their clinical application and professional visibility. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study investigates the effectiveness of peer-led instruction in strengthening image interpretation, clinical reasoning, and self-efficacy among NPs. The ultimate goal is to establish an evidence-based, nursing-oriented POCUS education model to fill existing gaps in the training system and elevate the role of NPs in multidisciplinary care.
Read the detailed description
This quasi-experimental study aims to compare two instructional models-physician-led versus peer NP-led POCUS training-and their effects on learners' outcomes and clinical skill performance.
Methods:
Sixty NPs, either in practice or under training, will be recruited and non-randomly assigned to either the experimental group (peer-led instruction) or the control group (physician-led instruction), based on their course availability, simulating real-world clinical education allocation:
- Experimental group: Hands-on training led by NPs who have completed a structured POCUS curriculum and passed both teaching and practical assessments.
- Control group: Hands-on training delivered by specialist physicians.
To ensure the quality and standardization of instructional delivery and operational procedures, two groups of nurse practitioners received the training program in separate cohorts. The educational intervention was structured into two phases: the first phase consisted of a two-hour online course covering fundamental ultrasound theory, relevant anatomical structures, and key points in clinical application; the second phase was a four-hour in-person hands-on workshop focusing on clinical scanning techniques and image interpretation skills. The instructional content encompassed five core structures: (1) inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment, (2) pleural effusion detection, (3) ascites identification, (4) hydronephrosis evaluation, and (5) bladder volume estimation and urinary retention interpretation.
Participants completed a pre-test prior to the training, a first post-test immediately after the course, and a second post-test three months later. The assessment tools included: (1) a POCUS knowledge questionnaire, (2) a self-confidence scale, (3) an image interpretation assessment, and (4) an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
- Being tested
- Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training
- Keywords
- POCUS, peer learning, NP
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS TrainingBehavioural
Participants will receive a structured point-of-care ultrasound training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session. Training focuses on integrative volume status assessment, including ultrasound evaluation of the inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder volume or urinary retention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer Teaching Group | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive a structured POCUS training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The intervention includes a 2-hour online course covering basic ultrasound principles, relevant anatomy, and clinical applications, followed by a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including IVC, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Receives: Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training |
| Experimental | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive the same structured POCUS training program delivered by trained physician instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Receives: Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in POCUS Clinical Performance Score
POCUS clinical performance will be assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Participants will be evaluated on ultrasound probe positioning, image acquisition, anatomical identification, clinical interpretation, and integration of findings for volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Higher scores indicate better clinical performance.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in POCUS Knowledge Score
POCUS knowledge will be assessed using a structured 10-item questionnaire covering basic ultrasound principles, organ identification, and clinical applications. Higher scores indicate better POCUS knowledge.
Measured: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Jun 2026
- Study start2 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS TrainingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Taiwan University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07660016
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202507102RINE
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Feasibility of a Peer-Learning Ultrasound Program to Enhance Nurse Practitioners' Competence in Integrative Volume Status Assessment
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07660016
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 202507102RINE
- Keywords
- POCUS, peer learning, NP
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to develop and evaluate a peer-led training program specifically designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) to acquire Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) skills. POCUS, known for its non-invasive nature and real-time imaging capability, has been widely applied in clinical fluid status assessment and plays a pivotal role in enhancing diagnostic efficiency and quality of care. However, current POCUS training resources for NPs in Taiwan remain insufficient, limiting their clinical application and professional visibility. Using a quasi-experimental design, this study investigates the effectiveness of peer-led instruction in strengthening image interpretation, clinical reasoning, and self-efficacy among NPs. The ultimate goal is to establish an evidence-based, nursing-oriented POCUS education model to fill existing gaps in the training system and elevate the role of NPs in multidisciplinary care.
Detailed description
This quasi-experimental study aims to compare two instructional models-physician-led versus peer NP-led POCUS training-and their effects on learners' outcomes and clinical skill performance.
Methods:
Sixty NPs, either in practice or under training, will be recruited and non-randomly assigned to either the experimental group (peer-led instruction) or the control group (physician-led instruction), based on their course availability, simulating real-world clinical education allocation:
- Experimental group: Hands-on training led by NPs who have completed a structured POCUS curriculum and passed both teaching and practical assessments.
- Control group: Hands-on training delivered by specialist physicians.
To ensure the quality and standardization of instructional delivery and operational procedures, two groups of nurse practitioners received the training program in separate cohorts. The educational intervention was structured into two phases: the first phase consisted of a two-hour online course covering fundamental ultrasound theory, relevant anatomical structures, and key points in clinical application; the second phase was a four-hour in-person hands-on workshop focusing on clinical scanning techniques and image interpretation skills. The instructional content encompassed five core structures: (1) inferior vena cava (IVC) assessment, (2) pleural effusion detection, (3) ascites identification, (4) hydronephrosis evaluation, and (5) bladder volume estimation and urinary retention interpretation.
Participants completed a pre-test prior to the training, a first post-test immediately after the course, and a second post-test three months later. The assessment tools included: (1) a POCUS knowledge questionnaire, (2) a self-confidence scale, (3) an image interpretation assessment, and (4) an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer Teaching Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS TrainingParticipants in this arm will receive a structured POCUS training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The intervention includes a 2-hour online course covering basic ultrasound principles, relevant anatomy, and clinical applications, followed by a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including IVC, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. |
| Experimental | Active comparator | Behavioral: Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS TrainingParticipants in this group will receive the same structured POCUS training program delivered by trained physician instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session focused on integrative volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants aged 18 years or older. Licensed nurse practitioners or nurse practitioner trainees currently enrolled in an accredited nurse practitioner training program.
- Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent. Able to participate in the complete training program and study assessments, including baseline, post-training, and 1-month follow-up assessments.
- No prior formal POCUS training, or only limited basic exposure without systematic training experience.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants who have previously completed a formal point-of-care ultrasound training program.
- Participants who are unable to complete the full training program or study assessment procedures.
- -
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS TrainingParticipants will receive a structured point-of-care ultrasound training program delivered by trained nurse practitioner instructors. The program includes a 2-hour online lecture and a 4-hour hands-on practice session. Training focuses on integrative volume status assessment, including ultrasound evaluation of the inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder volume or urinary retention. | Behavioural | Experimental, Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer Teaching Group |
Primary outcome
Change in POCUS Clinical Performance Score
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
POCUS clinical performance will be assessed using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Participants will be evaluated on ultrasound probe positioning, image acquisition, anatomical identification, clinical interpretation, and integration of findings for volume status assessment, including inferior vena cava, pleural effusion, ascites, hydronephrosis, and bladder assessment. Higher scores indicate better clinical performance.
1 secondary outcome
Change in POCUS Knowledge Score
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Jun 2026.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Nurse Practitioner-Led Peer POCUS Training in people with Physician-led Versus Peer NP-led POCUS Training, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Chiang-Yi Chen, master (+886928124530, a865292@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in POCUS Clinical Performance Score (time frame: Baseline, immediately after the training program, and 1 month after the training program). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Jun 2026.