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About BOX Courses
BOX courses was created by Andy Walden (Acute Medicine and ICU Consultant at the Royal Berkshire Hospital) to promote training in point of care ultrasound.
Andy has run 25 FUSIC Heart (formerly FICE) and 18 FAMUS courses since 2014 and been involved in teaching countless others.
Fostering improved patient care through enhanced ultrasound proficiency among healthcare providers.
Dr Andrew Walden: experience & vision
Dr. Andrew Walden, an Acute Medicine and ICU Consultant at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, has significantly advanced Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training. He created BOX Courses to promote POCUS education and has successfully conducted 25 FUSIC Heart (formerly FICE) and 18 FAMUS courses since 2014. Dr. Walden has played a crucial role in teaching numerous other POCUS courses, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert and educator in the field. His contributions have greatly enhanced the proficiency and confidence of healthcare providers in using ultrasound technology to improve patient care.
FAQs
What is POCUS?
POCUS stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound. It refers to the use of portable ultrasound at the patient’s bedside for diagnostic and procedural purposes.
What courses do you offer?
BOX Courses offers a wide range of ultrasound courses, including:
1. Core POCUS for Acute Care (FAMUS/FUSIC accreditation)
2. Advanced POCUS for specific clinical applications
3. Specialised Boot Camps for intensive hands-on scanning
4. Assistance with Accreditation and final sign offs
5. Bespoke Training Solutions
Courses are offered for different levels of experience, from beginner to advanced.
Are the courses accredited?
Yes, our courses are accredited by the relevant bodies, including FAMUS and FUSIC, ensuring that they meet professional standards in acute care and critical care ultrasound training.
How are the courses structured?
Courses typically involve a combination of:
1. Online pre-course learning modules
2. In-person practical training sessions
3. Live scanning on patients and simulated models
4. Assessment of skills and knowledge, with a portfolio for certification
What are POCUS Boot Camps?
POCUS Boot Camps are two-day intensive training sessions where participants perform hands-on scanning under the supervision of POCUS experts. These boot camps offer an accelerated experience, allowing trainees to collect a large number of scans and build a substantial portfolio in a short time. Simulated pathologies are used where real cases are not available.
What kind of pathology simulations are used in pocus training courses?
Simulations include cases such as pulmonary oedema or hyperdynamic left ventricle, which are typically difficult to observe outside high-intensity care wards. These simulations are designed to provide trainees with exposure to critical pathologies in realistic settings.
How long does it take to complete a course?
The duration varies depending on the course. Most courses include a combination of pre-course online modules, followed by 1-2 days of in-person training, including assessments and practicals.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, upon successful completion of the course and assessment, participants receive a certificate. For accredited courses, this may contribute to formal qualifications like FAMUS or FUSIC.
Where are Point-Of-Care Ultrasound courses held?
Courses are held at various locations, including hospital training centres and simulated centres mainly in Reading, UK but also in the Republic of Ireland. Specific locations and dates are provided on the website when you register.
Do I need prior ultrasound experience to attend?
No, beginners are welcome. We offer ultrasound courses for all levels of experience, from those with no prior knowledge to experienced clinicians looking to enhance their skills in specialised areas.
What is the cost of Point-of-Care Ultrasound courses?
The cost varies depending on the course and the level of training provided, typically around £ 300 for a single-day course. Detailed pricing for each course is available on the website when booking.
Are the courses delivered online or in-person?
Most of our courses offer a blend of online learning and in-person practical sessions. The online modules allow participants to prepare ahead of the hands-on training.
Can I attend just the practical sessions?
While most courses require completion of online learning beforehand, some practical-only sessions may be available for those with sufficient prior knowledge or experience. Please check specific course details for more information.
How do I register for a course?
You can register through the BOX Courses website. Simply select the course you are interested in, follow the booking process, and complete the required pre-course modules.
Do you offer bespoke or tailored courses?
Yes, we offer bespoke courses for organisations, tailored to meet specific needs or focused on particular clinical settings. Contact us to discuss custom course options.
Can I retake a course if I feel I need more practice?
Yes, participants are welcome to retake courses or attend additional practical sessions if they feel they need further practice. Discounts may be available for returning participants (contact us).
How do I track my progress and portfolio?
Each course participant will maintain a portfolio of their scans and progress, which is reviewed by instructors and used for certification purposes. Your portfolio will help document your competency in performing POCUS.
What equipment will I be using during the course?
Participants will have access to state-of-the-art cart-base and portable ultrasound machines, and simulators. You’ll also receive guidance on how to use different ultrasound models commonly found in clinical practice.
Who are the instructors?
The courses are led by a team of experienced POCUS educators and clinicians who are experts in ultrasound application in emergency and acute care settings.
Can I attend if I am not based in the UK?
Yes, international participants are welcome to attend our courses. We recommend confirming visa requirements and travel logistics well in advance.
Buy the book
Ultrasound in the Critically Ill: A Practical Guide is our textbook on Point-of-care Ultrasound. This book:
- Brings together guidelines from many specialty organisations
- Examines the latest changes and developments in training programs
- Audits data on trainee opinions on ultrasound, accessibility of ultrasound and echocardiography
Hear From Past Students
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Charles Rich, Stage 2 EM/ICM Trainee
This one-day course with a very experienced faculty was a great way of building confidence and proficiency in this important procedure. There are high fidelity practical sessions, simulations on the management of tracheostomy emergencies and wise commentaries on choosing the correct patient and the correct time. There is a good mix of basic anatomy and procedural skills, combined with the use of bronchoscopy and airway ultrasound as well as animal models to practise emergency front of neck access. I highly recommend this course for trainee intensivists who want more experience in managing this procedure and its complications.
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Alison Liu, ENT Registrar
As an ENT registrar I found this course really useful to understand the anaesthetic and ITU approach to tracheostomies. There was an excellent trainer to delegate ratio and lots of hands on practice with animal models and simulation training. I would highly recommend this course to all doctors involved in tracheostomies and difficult airways. Thanks for a brilliant course!
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Will Orchard Stage 3 ICM and AIM trainee
An excellent, well organised and presented course which met all of my expectations. The course included lots of hands-on experience using live models while being supported by highly experienced trainers. The faculty were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this course to anyone working in an acute or emergency specialty where point of care ultrasound and echocardiography can help guide your management decisions.
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Faye Selby ICM Registrar
I attended the (AIM POCUS academy) course in FUSIC heart and FAMUS in 2021 and found it to be a really in-depth, robust starting point to gaining formal accreditation in point of care ultrasound with an interactive and skilled faculty. It was a fantastic opportunity to put theory into practice and gain the skills and understanding to compile my logbook, and an amazing day all round! Not only do I now use ultrasound almost every day in practice to make practical bedside decisions in deteriorating patients, I’ve formally accredited and am also a FUSIC Heart Mentor. The course content was invaluable to gaining independence in scanning. I would highly recommend Box Courses to anyone looking to integrate point of care ultrasound into their practice!
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Alex Hodson, Critical Care Physiotherapist
I highly recommend this course as outstanding preparation for your POCUS journey. It was well organised with great facilities and resources. The trainers are experts in this field and very knowledgeable, delivering the content with enthusiasm. There are plenty of practical stations to get you started with some hands-on experience scanning live models as well as a state of the art ultrasound SIM dummy called EVE.
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Ramkrishna Ramnauth
I was blown away by the knowledge of the staff and the facilities you have at Reading. I found the course very well organised with excellent online teaching materials available prior to attending the course. The lectures and hands on practical learning on the course was amazing. To have teaching from practitioners who are so knowledgeable, passionate and clearly use point of care ultrasound daily was very inspirational.
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Dr Dipraj Limbu
Excellent course with a great team of instructors. This 2 days FAMUS/FUSIC course offered very well-structured learning with lot of practical sessions allowing plenty of time to practice under direct supervision. All the sessions were very interactive and instructors provided a lot of guidance, learning points and feedback throughout the course period. The practice station on Eve-2 (patient simulator) was an excellent and unique experience to practice and learn as in real scenario. After attending this course, I have been regularly using bedside ultrasound while assessing acutely unwell patients and I have found that it has helped greatly in improving diagnostic capability and management of my patients. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is keen to learn or enhance their skill in PoCUS.
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Prof. Daniel Lasserson
Learning point of care ultrasound has been the most transformative skill for me in over 20 years of practising medicine. I got a fantastic foundation in POCUS skills from the Reading course run by Andy Walden – great faculty, really clear teaching with learning points, great ultrasound machines to use and the clinical sessions really helped put the classroom learning into practice. I now use POCUS everyday in my clinical work, I undertake research in use of POCUS and POCUS has enabled a significant expansion in the scope of my Acute Hospital at Home service. I would thoroughly recommend POCUS training for all clinicians who undertake acute assessments of patients – in hospital and community settings. You will never look back!
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Abbi Tolputt
I thought this course was brilliant and would highly recommend it. As a Physiotherapist, I wanted to particularly focus on the lung aspect of the course and the team supported me delivering the practical elements with expert knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you!
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BOX Courses Attendee
I really enjoyed the course. All the tutors were enthusiastic and encouraging. Lots of opportunity for practice. I would recommend this course to others.
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BOX Courses Attendee
Very useful and interesting course. Will definitely recommend to colleagues.
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BOX Courses Attendee
Amazing course. Taught really well and in a simple way. Really enjoyed.
