Improved patient management with point-of-care ultrasound

Abstract

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is an examination often performed at the bedside that can assist in patient assessment and answer focused questions. It is increasingly used by a number of specialties to aid invasive procedures and for clinical evaluation, with the ultimate aim of improving patient management. Although there is a paucity of robust evidence supporting some applications, it is gaining popularity and has been termed the 'new stethoscope'. Good clinical governance arrangements, especially with regard to training and competency, are key to this modality developing further and safely.

Is it time to include point-of-care ultrasound in general surgery training? A review to stimulate discussion

“…POCUS was initially defined as (1)Ultrasonography brought to the patient and performed in real time (2)A limited or focused US examination forming part of a patient's bedside examination, performed by a non‐imaging specialized clinician …”

“…The core clinical spheres of POCUS, physical examination and diagnosis, are also central to surgical diagnosis, triage and management. POCUS use has rapidly moved beyond simple physical examination and is now also commonly performed by non‐imaging clinicians for physiological assessment, as part of invasive procedures or at the operating table …”

“…POCUS was initially defined as (1) Ultrasonography brought to the patient and performed in real time. 2 (2) A limited or focused US examination forming part of a patient's bedside examination, performed by a non-imaging specialized clinician. 1 POCUS seeks to answer specific bimodal or yes/no questions arising in bedside examination, diagnosis, physiological assessment or invasive therapies.…”

“…POCUS use has rapidly moved beyond simple physical examination and is now also commonly performed by non-imaging clinicians for physiological assessment, as part of invasive procedures or at the operating table. 2,3 Obstetrics, emergency medicine, cardiology and anaesthetics have all embraced bedside US. Breast, endocrine, vascular, gastrointestinal and trauma surgeons have proven bedside US and intraoperative US to be effective aids to physical examination, diagnosis, staging, decision making, treatment initiation and monitoring and conduct of surgical procedures.…”