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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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Arya A, Davey R, Sharma A, Dosani N, Grewal D, Afzal A, Bhargava R, Chasen M, Med P. Utilization of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Specialist Palliative Care Team Across Multiple Care Settings: A Retrospective Chart Review. Palliat Med Rep 2022; 3:229-234. [PMID: 36341470 PMCID: PMC9629911 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2021.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advancements have rapidly increased the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) across various medical disciplines, leading to real-time information for clinicians at the bed side. However, literature reveals scant evidence of POCUS use in palliative care. The objective of this study was to examine the use of POCUS in a specialist palliative care setting. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 in Brampton, Canada, to evaluate characteristics of patients for whom POCUS was utilized. Patients were identified through pre-existing logs and descriptive information was collected from electronic health records, including demographic information, life-limiting diagnosis, patient assessment location, diagnosis made with POCUS, and, if applicable, volume of fluid drained. RESULTS We identified 126 uses of POCUS in 89 unique patients. Sixty-two patients (69.7%) had a cancer diagnosis, with patients most commonly suffering from gastrointestinal, lung, and breast pathologies. Sixty-one POCUS cases (48.4%) were in the outpatient setting. Eighty-one POCUS cases (64.3%) revealed a diagnosis of ascites and 21 POCUS cases (16.7%) revealed a diagnosis of pleural effusion. Other diagnoses made with POCUS included bowel obstruction, pneumonia, and congestive heart failure. During the study period, 52 paracentesis and 7 thoracentesis procedures were performed using POCUS guidance. CONCLUSION We identified multiple indications in our specialist palliative care setting where POCUS aided in diagnosis/management of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Further studies can be conducted to identify the potential benefits in symptom burden, patient and caregiver satisfaction, and health care utilization in palliative care patients receiving POCUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Arya
- Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- *Address correspondence to: Amit Arya, MD, CCFP (PC), FCFP, Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care, Room 3S-376, 4001 Leslie Street, Toronto M2K 1E1, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Roddy Davey
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, Brampton Civic Hospital, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Achal Sharma
- Corporate Department of Research, William Osler Health System, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naheed Dosani
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dilnoor Grewal
- Corporate Department of Research, William Osler Health System, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aysha Afzal
- Corporate Department of Research, William Osler Health System, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ravi Bhargava
- Corporate Department of Research, William Osler Health System, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Pall Med
- Division of Supportive and Palliative Care, Brampton Civic Hospital, Brampton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Breakey N, Osterwalder J, Mathis G, Lehmann B, Sauter TC. Point of care ultrasound for rapid assessment and treatment of palliative care patients in acute medical settings. Eur J Intern Med 2020; 81:7-14. [PMID: 32807648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The combination of an ageing population with improving survival in malignant and non-malignant disease processes results in a growing cohort of patients with advanced or end-stage chronic diseases who require acute medical care. Emergency care has historically been stereotyped as the identification and treatment of acute life-threatening problems. Although palliative care may be considered to be new to the formal curriculum of emergency medicine, in many domains the ultrasound skillset of a physician in acute medical care can be efficaciously deployed the benefit of patients with both malignant and non-malignant disease processes that require palliative care in the full breadth of acute healthcare settings. In diagnostic domains (abdominal pain, urinary tract obstruction, dyspnoea, venous thromboembolism and musculoskeletal pain) and for specific intervention guidance (thoracentesis, paracentesis, venous access, regional anaesthesia and musculoskeletal interventions) we suggest that POCUS has the potential to streamline improve patient satisfaction, streamline diagnostic strategies, optimise patient length of stay, expedite timely symptomatic relief and reduce complications in this important patient population. POCUS is a mandatory competence in the European curriculum of internal medicine, and specific training programs which cover applications in the domains of palliative care in acute care settings are available. Supervision, quality assurance and appropriate documentation are required. We expect that as the availability of mobile units suitable for point of care applications increases, these applications should become standard of care in the acute management of patients who require palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Breakey
- Department of Medicine, Spital Emmental, Burgdorf, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Beat Lehmann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas C Sauter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Medical Skills Lab, Charité Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Dhamija E, Thulkar S, Bhatnagar S. Utility and potential of bedside ultrasound in palliative care. Indian J Palliat Care 2015; 21:132-6. [PMID: 26009664 PMCID: PMC4441172 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.156465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bedside ultrasound is an important tool in modern palliative care practice. It can be utilized for rapid diagnostic evaluation or as an image guidance to perform invasive therapeutic procedures. With advent of portable ultrasound machines, it can also be used in community or home care settings, apart from palliative care wards. Major applications of bedside ultrasound include drainage of malignant pleural effusions and ascites, nerve blocks, venous access, evaluation of urinary obstruction, deep vein thrombosis and abscesses. Bedside ultrasound leads to better clinical decision-making as well as more accurate and faster invasive therapeutic procedures. It also enhances patient comfort and reduces cost burden. However, use of bedside ultrasound is still not widespread among palliative care givers, owing to initial cost, lack of basic training in ultrasound and apprehensions about its use. A team approach involving radiologists is important to develop integration of bedside ultrasound in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Dhamija
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Thulkar
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sushma Bhatnagar
- Department of Anaesthesia and Palliative Care, Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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5
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Hoppmann RA, Rao VV, Poston MB, Howe DB, Hunt PS, Fowler SD, Paulman LE, Wells JR, Richeson NA, Catalana PV, Thomas LK, Britt Wilson L, Cook T, Riffle S, Neuffer FH, McCallum JB, Keisler BD, Brown RS, Gregg AR, Sims KM, Powell CK, Garber MD, Morrison JE, Owens WB, Carnevale KA, Jennings WR, Fletcher S. An integrated ultrasound curriculum (iUSC) for medical students: 4-year experience. Crit Ultrasound J 2011; 3:1-12. [PMID: 21516137 PMCID: PMC3064888 DOI: 10.1007/s13089-011-0052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A review of the development and implementation of a 4-year medical student integrated ultrasound curriculum is presented. Multiple teaching and assessment modalities are discussed as well as results from testing and student surveys. Lessons learned while establishing the curriculum are summarized. It is concluded that ultrasound is a well received, valuable teaching tool across all 4 years of medical school, and students learn ultrasound well, and they feel their ultrasound experience enhances their medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor V. Rao
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Mary Beth Poston
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Duncan B. Howe
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Patrick S. Hunt
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | | | - Lance E. Paulman
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - James R. Wells
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | | | - Paul V. Catalana
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Lynn K. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - L. Britt Wilson
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Thomas Cook
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Shaun Riffle
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | | | | | - Brian D. Keisler
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Rachel S. Brown
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Anthony R. Gregg
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | - Kerry M. Sims
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | | | | | | | - William B. Owens
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Fletcher
- School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, USA
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