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Osterwalder J, Polyzogopoulou E, Hoffmann B. Point-of-Care Ultrasound-History, Current and Evolving Clinical Concepts in Emergency Medicine. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2179. [PMID: 38138282 PMCID: PMC10744481 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has become an indispensable standard in emergency medicine. Emergency medicine ultrasound (EMUS) is the application of bedside PoCUS by the attending emergency physician to assist in the diagnosis and management of many time-sensitive health emergencies. In many ways, using PoCUS is not only the mere application of technology, but also a fusion of already existing examiner skills and technology in the context of a patient encounter. EMUS practice can be defined using distinct anatomy-based applications. The type of applications and their complexity usually depend on local needs and resources, and practice patterns can vary significantly among regions, countries, or even continents. A different approach suggests defining EMUS in categories such as resuscitative, diagnostic, procedural guidance, symptom- or sign-based, and therapeutic. Because EMUS is practiced in a constantly evolving emergency medical setting where no two patient encounters are identical, the concept of EMUS should also be practiced in a fluid, constantly adapting manner driven by the physician treating the patient. Many recent advances in ultrasound technology have received little or no attention from the EMUS community, and several important technical advances and research findings have not been translated into routine clinical practice. The authors believe that four main areas have great potential for the future growth and development of EMUS and are worth integrating: 1. In recent years, many articles have been published on novel ultrasound applications. Only a small percentage has found its way into routine use. We will discuss two important examples: trauma ultrasound that goes beyond e-FAST and EMUS lung ultrasound for suspected pulmonary embolism. 2. The more ultrasound equipment becomes financially affordable; the more ultrasound should be incorporated into the physical examination. This merging and possibly even replacement of aspects of the classical physical exam by technology will likely outperform the isolated use of stethoscope, percussion, and auscultation. 3. The knowledge of pathophysiological processes in acute illness and ultrasound findings should be merged in clinical practice. The translation of this knowledge into practical concepts will allow us to better manage many presentations, such as hypotension or the dyspnea of unclear etiology. 4. Technical innovations such as elastography; CEUS; highly sensitive color Doppler such as M-flow, vector flow, or other novel technology; artificial intelligence; cloud-based POCUS functions; and augmented reality devices such as smart glasses should become standard in emergencies over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Effie Polyzogopoulou
- Emergency Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Beatrice Hoffmann
- Department of Emergency Medicine BIDMC, One Deaconess Rd., WCC2, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Moore S, Stoneham B, Taylor V, Perkins P. Impact of bedside ultrasound on care in specialist palliative care units: a qualitative study. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023:spcare-2023-004619. [PMID: 37979956 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the experiences of palliative care doctors regarding the clinical impact of ultrasound in specialist palliative care units (SPCUs). METHODS The study adopted a qualitative research design using semistructured interviews and a reflexivity journal. Six participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Findings were analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS Analysis used four predetermined themes: (1) practicalities, (2) clinical indications, (3) impact on patient care and service provision and (4) governance and training. Analysis identified a relationship between procedural confidence and use of ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides information for understanding the current use and limitations of ultrasound in SPCUs. Ultrasound leads to safer practice, especially when performing invasive procedures such as paracentesis. Development of standards around the use of, and training of staff undertaking ultrasound in specialist palliative care, are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul Perkins
- Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham, UK
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, UK
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Yastrebov K, Costello C, Taylor B, Torda A. Point-of-care ultrasonography-An essential skill for medical graduates? Australas J Ultrasound Med 2023; 26:272-274. [PMID: 38098619 PMCID: PMC10716562 DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent proliferation of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in the clinical practice of many medical specialties has exposed persistent barriers to education, training and standardisation. Specialist training curriculums are already overwhelming, having grossly insufficient time available for the specialist trainees and for the small number of available trainers alike to incorporate POCUS into postgraduate education. The logical solution to overcome these barriers could be to incorporate basic POCUS education and training into the undergraduate university curriculums, introducing longitudinal integration with other relevant medical sciences. The Australasian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine already has well-established educational programmes in POCUS with standardised assessment of competency, which could potentially offer the basis for symbiosis with the Australian and New Zealand medical schools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cartan Costello
- College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New ZealandPrahranVictoriaAustralia
| | - Ben Taylor
- University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Adrienne Torda
- University of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Ostroff M, Aberger K, Moureau N. Case report: End of life care via a mid-thigh femoral midline catheter. J Vasc Access 2023; 24:809-812. [PMID: 34463188 DOI: 10.1177/11297298211043410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining peripheral vascular access represents a major challenge for medical providers and patients leading to the emergence of ultrasound guided vascular access teams. Upper extremity peripheral vascular access options are often limited in the chronically ill patient population with end stage cancer, patients with severe contractures, tracheostomies, and feeding tubes and patients referred for palliative care are just some examples of patients who live with difficult access. The following is a case description of a mid-thigh superficial femoral vein midline catheter for comfort care medications in a patient with exhausted peripheral vasculature on hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Aberger
- St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Paterson, NJ, USA
| | - Nancy Moureau
- PICC Excellence, Inc, Chief Executive Officer, Hartwell, GA, USA
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García-Gil D, Beltrán-Romero LM, Flox-Benítez G, Castillo-Padrós M, Díaz-Gómez AL, Mujal-Martínez A, Torres-Macho J. Main applications of point-of care ultrasound in palliative care. Rev Clin Esp 2023:S2254-8874(23)00059-0. [PMID: 37146748 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Combined with a physical examination, clinical ultrasound offers a valuable complement that can help guide clinical decision-making. In various medical and surgical specialties, it is increasingly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Due to recent technological advances, smaller and more affordable ultrasound machines are now being developed for use in home hospice care. The purpose of this paper is to describe how clinical ultrasound may be applied in Palliative Care, where it can be a valuable tool to assist the clinician in making better clinical decisions and to assist in accurately guiding palliative procedures. Furthermore, it can be used to identify unnecessary hospitalizations and prevent them from occurring. Training programs with specific objectives are necessary to implement clinical ultrasound in Palliative Care, as well as defining learning curves and promoting alliances with scientific societies that recognize the teaching, care and research trajectory for accreditation of competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel García-Gil
- Unidad de Ecografía Clínica Asistencial, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Carlos, San Fernando, Grupo de Trabajo Ecografía Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Beltrán-Romero
- Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Grupo de Trabajo Ecografía Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Flox-Benítez
- Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Grupo de Trabajo Cuidados Paliativos de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Castillo-Padrós
- Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Coordinador de Grupos de Trabajo, Sociedad Española de Cuidados Paliativos (SECPAL), Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alfredo L Díaz-Gómez
- Unidad de Ecografía Clínica Asistencial, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital San Carlos, San Fernando, Grupo de Trabajo Ecografía Clínica de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Abel Mujal-Martínez
- Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Coordinador del Grupo de Trabajo Hospitalización a Domicilio y Telemedicina, Consorci Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Torres-Macho
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Grupo de Trabajo Cuidados Paliativos de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI), Madrid, Spain
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Thota RS, Ramkiran S, Ramanjulu R. Time to FOCUS - 'Palliative Medicine Point-of-Care Ultrasound'. Indian J Palliat Care 2023; 29:36-45. [PMID: 36846289 PMCID: PMC9945239 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_274_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care diagnosis has become the need of the hour and along with its guided interventions, ultrasound could be utilised bedside in a palliative care patient. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in palliative care medicine is fast emerging and has varied applications ranging from performing bedside diagnostic evaluation to the performance of interventional paracentesis, thoracocentesis and chronic pain interventions. Handheld ultrasound devices have transformed the application of POCUS and should revolutionise the future of home-based palliative care. Palliative care physicians should be enabled to carry out bedside ultrasounds at home care and hospice setting for achieving rapid symptom relief. The aim of POCUS in palliative care medicine should be adequate training of palliative care physicians, transforming the applicability of this technology to OPD as well as community driven to achieve home outreach. The goal is towards empowering technology by reaching out to the community rather than the terminally ill patient transported for the hospital admission. Palliative care physicians should receive mandatory training in POCUS to enable diagnostic proficiency and early triaging. The inclusion of ultrasound machine in an outpatient palliative care clinic brings about value addition in rapid diagnosis. Limiting POCUS application to certain selected sub-specialities such as emergency medicine, internal medicine and critical care medicine should be overcome. This would need acquiring higher training as well as improvised skill sets to perform bedside interventions. Ultrasonography competency among palliative care providers proposed as palliative medicine point-of-care ultrasound (PM-POCUS) could be achieved by imparting dedicated POCUS training within the core curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seshadri Ramkiran
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, HCG Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghavendra Ramanjulu
- Department of Pain and Palliative Care, Aster Hospitals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Lo H, Eder N, Boten D, Jenssen C, Nuernberg D. Handheld Ultrasound (HHUS): Potential for Home Palliative Care. Ultrasound Int Open 2022; 8:E68-E76. [PMID: 36937375 PMCID: PMC10023243 DOI: 10.1055/a-1999-7834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the severity of their disease, palliative care patients often present complex clinical symptoms and complaints like pain, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Solely relying on the information available from the history and physical examination often causes uncertainty among palliative care physicians regarding treatment decisions during home visits, potentially leading to unnecessary hospitalizations or transfer to cross-sectional imaging in radiological practices. A rational approach is essential to avoid diagnostic aggressiveness while still providing the imaging information required for optimal palliative care. Bedside use of handheld ultrasound (HHUS) has the potential to expand the diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum in the case of symptom exacerbation but is still underutilized. In this review, we evaluate the potential uses of HHUS in home care settings to provide a more accurate diagnosis of the most common symptoms in palliative patients and to guide bedside interventions such as bladder catheterization, thoracentesis, paracentesis, venous access, and regional anesthesia. Specific training programs for ultrasound in palliative care are currently not available. Adequate documentation is warranted but fraught with technological and privacy issues. Expert supervision and quality assurance are necessary. Despite its limitation and challenges, we suggest that HHUS leads to improved clinical decision-making, expedited symptom relief, and reduced complications without burdening of the patient and costly transfer to hospital or specialty consultations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendra Lo
- Brandenburg Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical
Ultrasound (BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin,
Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, Diabetology
and Hepatology, Vivantes Hospital Neukölln, Berlin,
Germany
- Correspondence Mr. Hendra Lo Brandenburg
Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical Ultrasound
(BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Fehrbelliner
Straße 3816816NeuruppinGermany+ 49
3391 3914710
,
| | - Nicole Eder
- Brandenburg Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical
Ultrasound (BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin,
Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland,
Strausberg, Germany
| | - David Boten
- Brandenburg Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical
Ultrasound (BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin,
Germany
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Brandenburg Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical
Ultrasound (BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin,
Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland,
Strausberg, Germany
| | - Dieter Nuernberg
- Brandenburg Medical University Theodor Fontane, Institute for Clinical
Ultrasound (BICUS) and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Neuruppin,
Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Díaz-Gómez
- From the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.L.D.-G.); and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead (P.H.M.), and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (S.J.K.) - both in New York
| | - Paul H Mayo
- From the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.L.D.-G.); and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead (P.H.M.), and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (S.J.K.) - both in New York
| | - Seth J Koenig
- From the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.L.D.-G.); and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead (P.H.M.), and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (S.J.K.) - both in New York
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