Pan-American league of associations for rheumatology (PANLAR) recommendations and guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound training in the americas for rheumatologists

Abstract

Objective: To develop guidelines for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS) training for rheumatologists in the Americas. Methods: A total of 25 Rheumatologists from 19 countries of the American Continent participated in a consensus-based interactive process (Delphi method) using 2 consecutive electronic questionnaires. The first questionnaire included the following: the relevance of organizing courses to teach MSKUS to Rheumatologists, the determination of the most effective educational course models, the trainee levels, the educational objectives, the requirements for passing the course(s), the course venues, the number of course participants per instructor, and the percentage of time spent in hands-on sessions. The second questionnaire consisted of questions that did not achieve consensus (>65%) in the first questionnaire, topics, and pathologies to be covered at each course MSKUS level. Results: General consensus was obtained for MSKUS courses to be divided into 3 educational levels: b