Point-of-Care Ultrasonography by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians

Abstract

Emergency physicians have used point-of-care ultrasonography since the 1990s. Pediatric emergency medicine physicians have more recently adopted this technology. Point-of-care ultrasonography is used for various scenarios, particularly the evaluation of soft tissue infections or blunt abdominal trauma and procedural guidance. To date, there are no published statements from national organizations specifically for pediatric emergency physicians describing the incorporation of point-of-care ultrasonography into their practice. This document outlines how pediatric emergency departments may establish a formal point-of-care ultrasonography program. This task includes appointing leaders with expertise in point-of-care ultrasonography, effectively training and credentialing physicians in the department, and providing ongoing quality assurance reviews.Point-of-care ultrasonography (US) is a bedside technology that enables clinicians to integrate clinical examination findings with real-time sonographic imaging. General emergency physicians and other specialists have used point-of-care US for many years, and more recently, pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians have adopted point-of-care US as a diagnostic and procedural adjunct. This technical report and accompanying policy statement 1 provide a framework for point-of-care US training and point-of-care US integration into pediatric care by PEM physicians.

Emergency point-of-care ultrasound in Canadian pediatric emergency fellowship programs: current integration and future directions

“…A POCUS Policy Statement and Technical Report by the American Academy of Pediatrics was recently published 13 supporting POCUS use and quality control in pediatric emergency departments (EDs). These documents emphasize the need for formal POCUS education during PEM fellowship training.…”

Use and Education of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Saudi Arabia

“…13,14 The use of US also has the potential to improve safety and efficiency of care in pediatric EDs, as supported by the American College of Emergency Physicians. 1,15 Since 2013, point-of-care US has been incorporated into pediatric EM fellowship programs, as recommended by consensus…”

The Use of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound to Evaluate Pulsus Paradoxus in Children With Asthma

“…24 The use of POCUS by pediatric emergency medicine physicians is increasing and has been endorsed in a policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 25 To our knowledge, this is the first reported case series demonstrating the observation of PP in asthma by the use of US. It is notable that all discharged patients had a decrease in PP measurements after asthma therapy.…”