Sonographers in remote healthcare settings play a central role in enhancing diagnostic capabilities, which is crucial for reducing the necessity of patient transfers and efficiently addressing emergent clinical conditions. POCUS has been transformative in such environments, facilitating swift on-site assessments and decision-making, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes (1,3). POCUS stands out as a critical innovation, enabling healthcare professionals to conduct rapid diagnostic evaluations, which is especially beneficial in remote areas where access to broad medical facilities is limited. This capability not only expedites clinical decision-making but also substantially improves the quality of patient care (6).

The effectiveness of educational strategies for radiographers and sonographers is paramount in understanding the full potential of POCUS. Hands-on training, simulation training, and telemedicine-based mentoring have been identified as effective methods for equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to utilize POCUS efficiently in remote settings (7–9). These educational approaches help bridge the knowledge gap and ensure the proficient use of ultrasound technology in challenging healthcare scenarios. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of healthcare standards across Europe highlights the need for customized training programs for sonographers. Such programs aim to align care quality with patient safety across the region, ensuring that sonographers are prepared to deliver high-quality healthcare services no matter their location (4,10). Standardization is crucial to promoting equitable access to healthcare and fostering greater cohesion in healthcare delivery across Europe.

Given the above, considering the key elements that should support effective education and training for sonographers, a conceptual framework has been defined that addresses both the technical competencies necessary for the effective use of POCUS and the interpersonal and critical decision-making skills that are essential in-patient care within remote environments (Figure 1).

Fig 1: Conceptual framework addressing both the technical competencies necessary for the effective use of POCUS and the interpersonal and critical decision-making skills that are essential in-patient care within remote environments.

This conceptual framework is divided into six fundamental components:

1. POCUS Fundamentals: essential technical knowledge (anatomy, physiopathology, principles of ultrasound) and practical skills (equipment handling, image optimization) (1,3);
2. Remote Environment Contextualization: limited resources, the need for patient-centered care, effective communication, and ethical practices in underserved areas (6,11);
3. POCUS Teaching Strategies: Adoption of competency-based learning, innovative teaching methodologies such as simulation, e-learning, and telemedicine mentoring, and the importance of continuous skill assessment (7,8);
4. Continuous Professional Development and Remote Support: ongoing education and professional growth. This component advocates for regular refresher courses and the development of professional support networks to offer guidance and consultation (4,5);
5. Standardization and Certification: ensures uniformity in training and practice, and consistent quality and safety in patient care (10,12);
6. Technology Integration and Innovation: integrating emerging technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and tele-POCUS into POCUS training and practice (13,14).