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Jonck C, Weimer AM, Fundel B, Heinz W, Merkel D, Fiedel H, Ille C, Kloeckner R, Buggenhagen H, Piepho T, Weimer J. Development and evaluation of a point-of-care ultrasound curriculum for paramedics in Germany - a prospective observational study and comparison. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:811. [PMID: 39075429 PMCID: PMC11285294 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is steadily growing in use in prehospital emergency medicine. While currently used primarily by emergency physicians, POCUS could also be employed by paramedics to support diagnosis and decision-making. Yet to date, no paramedicine-targeted POCUS curricula exist in Germany. Furthermore, given time and resource constraints in paramedic training, it is unclear whether paramedics could feasibly learn POCUS for prehospital deployment. Hence, this study outlines the development and implementation of a comprehensive POCUS curriculum for paramedics. Through this curriculum, we investigate whether paramedics can attain proficiency in POCUS comparable to other user groups. METHODS In this prospective observational study, we first developed a blended learning-based POCUS curriculum specifically for paramedics, focusing on basic principles, the RUSH-Protocol and ultrasound guided procedures. Participants underwent digital tests to measure their theoretical competence before (T1) and after the digital preparation phase (T2), as well as at the end of the on-site phase (T3). At time point T3, we additionally measured practical competence using healthy subjects and simulators. We compared the theoretical competence and the practical competence on a simulator with those of physicians and medical students who had also completed ultrasound training. Furthermore, we carried out self-assessment evaluations, as well as evaluations of motivation and curriculum satisfaction. RESULTS The paramedic study group comprised n = 72 participants. In the theoretical test, the group showed significant improvement between T1 and T2 (p < 0.001) and between T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). In the practical test on healthy subjects at T3, the group achieved high results (87.0% ± 5.6). In the practical test on a simulator at T3, paramedics (83.8% ± 6.6) achieved a lower result than physicians (p < 0.001), but a comparable result to medical students (p = 0.18). The results of the study group's theoretical tests (82.9% ± 9.2) at time point T3 were comparable to that of physicians (p = 0.18) and better than that of medical students (p < 0.01). The motivation and attitude of paramedics towards the prehospital use of POCUS as well as their self-assessment significantly improved from T1 to T3 (p < 0.001). The overall assessment of the curriculum was positive (92.1 ± 8.5). CONCLUSION With our tailored curriculum, German paramedics were able to develop skills in POCUS comparable to those of other POCUS learners. Integration of POCUS into paramedics' training curricula offers opportunities and should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Jonck
- Rudolf Frey Learning Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Andreas Michael Weimer
- Center of Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, and Spinal Cord Injury, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beatrice Fundel
- Department for Emergency Medicine, Hospital Maria Hilf Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Heinz
- Department for Internal Medicine, Helios Klinik Rottweil, Rottweil, Germany
| | - Daniel Merkel
- Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB), BIKUS - Brandenburg Institute for Clinical Ultrasound, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fiedel
- German Red Cross, DRK Rettungsdienst in Der Region Hannover gGmbH, Hanover, Germany
| | - Carlotta Ille
- Rudolf Frey Learning Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Roman Kloeckner
- Institute of Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Holger Buggenhagen
- Rudolf Frey Learning Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Tim Piepho
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Brothers of Mercy Hospital, Trier, Germany
| | - Johannes Weimer
- Rudolf Frey Learning Clinic, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstraße 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany.
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
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Vicent O, Reske AW, Nickl R, Heinen R, Spieth PM. [Prehospital ultrasound in emergency medicine]. DIE ANAESTHESIOLOGIE 2024:10.1007/s00101-024-01437-x. [PMID: 39060458 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-024-01437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Small, portable hand-held ultrasound devices nowadays enable a widespread use of prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (pPOCUS), which has so far only been used hesitantly, especially in ground-based emergency services. Many critical or even life-threatening conditions or internal injuries can often be better diagnosed or ruled out using pPOCUS, which can enable faster and more suitable goal-directed treatment and hospital transport. This article critically discusses relevant data, clinical benefits, limitations and challenges to be overcome when using pPOCUS for the most important life-threatening situations and aims to call for intensifying training and the extensive use of pPOCUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Vicent
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technischen Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland.
- Station Dresden, DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gAG, Christoph 38, Dresden, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas W Reske
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Heinrich-Braun-Klinikum Zwickau gGmbH, Zwickau, Deutschland
- Station Zwickau, ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH, Christoph 46, Zwickau, Deutschland
| | - Rosa Nickl
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technischen Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Rebecca Heinen
- Klinik für Anästhesie, Intensivmedizin und Schmerztherapie, BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Peter M Spieth
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technischen Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland
- Station Dresden, DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gAG, Christoph 38, Dresden, Deutschland
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Mathew CS, Dias E, Sreedharan JK, Al Ahmari M, Trujillo L, West A, Karthika M. Lung ultrasound in respiratory therapy: a global reflective survey. Multidiscip Respir Med 2024; 19:980. [PMID: 38953856 PMCID: PMC11229826 DOI: 10.5826/mrm.2024.980] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a non-invasive point of care diagnostic tool used to assess the presence and severity of various lung disorders for more than two decades. Within the healthcare professionals are the respiratory therapists (RTs) who play a vital role in managing ventilated and other patients requiring respiratory support, but the incorporation of LUS into their scope of practice has not been well highlighted. This international cross-sectional survey was specifically designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of RTs with respect to LUS. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among RTs from different parts of the world using a questionnaire-based study tool. 514 RTs responded to all the questions and were considered for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, Analysis of variance, Fisher's exact, Chi-square, Bonferroni post-hoc analysis, and Binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the significance of the data. RESULTS From 22 countries, 514 RTs responded to the survey, with the major share from the middle eastern countries. Out of the 514 responders, 44.9% of the responders were in the age group of 23-30 years; 67.1% were bachelor's degree holders; and 40.9% of participants had more than 10 years of experience. The knowledge-based questions revealed that RTs with higher experience and academic qualification provided more positive responses. While in the attitude-related domain it is observed that standardized training in LUS helps them to enhance the current practice and to add LUS to the academic curriculum of respiratory therapy schools; however there remains barriers to practice LUS based on their responses. The practice-based questions revealed that RTs expect some additional seminars/workshops/webinars to be done on LUS frequently. More than half of the participants are found to be knowledgeable with a positive attitude and working towards the inclusion of LUS in respiratory therapy profession. CONCLUSION It is concluded that respiratory therapists have a positive attribute towards the inclusion of lung ultrasound in their clinical practice. Providing more structured training for professional respiratory therapists and including lung ultrasound modules in the respiratory therapy school curriculum may facilitate mastering their diagnostic skills, thereby expanding the scope of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Sara Mathew
- Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Srinivas University, Mangalore, India
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Liwa College, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Edwin Dias
- Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Srinivas University, Mangalore, India
| | | | | | - Lisa Trujillo
- Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrew West
- Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, Canada
| | - Manjush Karthika
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Liwa College, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Alsulami M, Almukhlifi Y, Alsulami A, Al Nufaiei ZF, Alruwaili A, Alanazy A. Implementing Prehospital Ultrasound at the Saudi Red Crescent Authority: Perceived Barriers and Training Needs. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:2871-2878. [PMID: 38881755 PMCID: PMC11180463 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s457429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examines the inherent barriers to implementing prehospital ultrasound within the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Saudi Arabia. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceived barriers, mode of transportation, ultrasound familiarity, and self-efficacy level of relevant stakeholders in implementing the prehospital ultrasound in SRCA. Data was collected via surveys and interviews with 24 SRCA paramedics/EMTs, 4 SRCA station administrators, and two hospital physicians to further examine the inherent barriers of implementing the prehospital ultrasound. Results Thematic analysis revealed the main barriers were costs of ultrasound equipment, environmental factors affecting image capture, and lack of training in ultrasound skills and interpretation. Administrators and physicians also noted concerns about machine portability and technical maintenance. Stakeholders agreed ultrasound could improve trauma diagnosis if barriers were addressed through extensive training and protocols. In prehospital care setting, the two main modes of transportation are "stay and play", involving on-scene interventions before transport, and "load and go", prioritizing rapid transport to the hospital, with the choice depending on various factors. An overwhelming 96% of paramedics/EMTs preferred a 'stay and play' approach to stabilize patients before transport, while 75% of administrators preferred 'load and go' for rapid transport to hospitals. 62.5% of paramedics were familiar with ultrasound, but only 20.8% had previously used it. Conclusion This study provides important insights into stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of prehospital ultrasound within the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. The findings can guide efforts to implement appropriate ultrasound use through tailored training programs and enhanced coordination across groups, aimed at improving trauma outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsulami
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Educational Leadership Program, School of Education, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yasir Almukhlifi
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Alsulami
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad F Al Nufaiei
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alruwaili
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alanazy
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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Mongodi S, Arioli R, Quaini A, Grugnetti G, Grugnetti AM, Mojoli F. Lung ultrasound training: how short is too short? observational study on the effects of a focused theoretical training for novice learners. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:166. [PMID: 38383377 PMCID: PMC10882777 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05148-0] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung ultrasound has been increasingly used in the last years for the assessment of patients with respiratory diseases; it is considered a simple technique, now spreading from physicians to other healthcare professionals as nurses and physiotherapists, as well as to medical students. These providers may require a different training to acquire lung ultrasound skills, since they are expected to have no previous experience with ultrasound. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a short theoretical training focused on lung ultrasound pattern recognition in a population of novice nurse learners with no previous experience with ultrasound. METHODS We included the nurses attending a critical care advanced course for nurses performed at the University of Pavia. Images' interpretation skills were tested on two slide sets (a 25-clip set focused on B-pattern recognition and a 25-clip set focused on identification of pleural movement as lung sliding, lung pulse, lung point, no movement) before and after three 30-minute teaching modules dedicated to general ultrasound principles, B-lines assessment and lung sliding assessment. A cut off of 80% was considered acceptable for correctly interpreted images after this basic course. RESULTS 22 nurses were enrolled (age 26.0 [24.0-28.0] years; men 4 (18%)); one nurse had previous experience with other ultrasound techniques, none of them had previous experience with lung ultrasound. After the training, the number of correctly interpreted clips improved from 3.5 [0.0-13.0] to 22.0 [19.0-23.0] (p < 0.0001) for B-pattern and from 0.5 [0.0-2.0] to 8.5 [6.0-12.0] (p < 0.0001) for lung sliding assessment. The number of correct answers for B-pattern recognition was significantly higher than for lung sliding assessment, both before (3.5 [0.0-13.0] vs. 0.5 [0.0-2.0]; p = 0.0036) and after (22.0 [19.0-23.0] vs. 8.5 [6.0-12.0]; p < 0.0001) the training. After the training, nurses were able to correctly recognize the presence or the absence of a B-pattern in 84.2 ± 10.3% of cases; lung sliding was correctly assessed in 37.1 ± 15.3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Lung ultrasound is considered a simple technique; while a short, focused training significantly improves B-pattern recognition, lung sliding assessment may require a longer training for novice learners. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mongodi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Rianimazione I, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Arioli
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Rianimazione I, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Attilio Quaini
- Department of Health Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Grugnetti
- Department of Health Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Grugnetti
- Department of Health Professions, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Mojoli
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Rianimazione I, Viale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, Unit of Anesthesia and Intensive Care , University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Strandqvist E, Olheden S, Bäckman A, Jörnvall H, Bäckström D. Physician-staffed prehospital units: a retrospective follow-up from an urban area in Scandinavia. Int J Emerg Med 2023; 16:43. [PMID: 37452288 PMCID: PMC10349430 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00519-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine when and how rapid response vehicles (RRVs) make a difference in prehospital care by investigating the number and kinds of RRV assignment dispatches and the prehospital characteristics and interventions involved. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was based on data from a quality assurance system where all assignments are registered. RRV staff register every assignment directly at the site, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. There is no mandatory information requirement or time limit for registration. The study includes data for all RRVs operating in Region Stockholm, three during daytime hours and one at night - from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. RESULTS In 2021, RRVs in Stockholm were dispatched on 11,283 occasions, of which 3,571 (31.6%) resulted in stand-downs. In general, stand-downs were less common for older patients. The most common dispatch category was blunt trauma (1,584 or 14.0%), which accounted for the highest frequency of stand-downs (676 or 6.0%). The second most common category was cardiac arrest (1,086 or 9.6%), followed by shortness of breath (691 or 6.1%), medical not specified (N/S) (596 or 5.3%), and seizures (572 or 5.1%). CONCLUSION The study findings confirm that RRVs provide valuable assistance to the ambulance service in Stockholm, especially for cardiac arrest and trauma patients. In particular, RRV personnel have more advanced medical knowledge and can administer medications and perform interventions that the regular ambulance service cannot provide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Staffan Olheden
- Capio Akutläkarbilar, Stockholm, Sweden
- Function Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Perioperative Care, Solna Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Bäckman
- Capio Akutläkarbilar, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Resuscitation Science, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Jörnvall
- Capio Akutläkarbilar, Stockholm, Sweden
- Function Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Perioperative Care, Solna Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Denise Bäckström
- Capio Akutläkarbilar, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
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Young A, Wu D, Myslik F, Burke D, Stephens M, Arntfield R. Acquisition and retention of lung ultrasound skills by respiratory therapists: A curriculum for respiratory therapists. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY : CJRT = REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA THERAPIE RESPIRATOIRE : RCTR 2023; 59:26-32. [PMID: 36741306 PMCID: PMC9854384 DOI: 10.29390/cjrt-2021-077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a versatile bedside tool. The utility of POCUS has grown during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, as it allows clinicians to obtain real-time images without requiring transport of the patient outside the intensive care unit. As respiratory therapists (RTs) are involved in caring for those with respiratory failure, there is a good rationale for their adoption of lung ultrasound. However, no training standards have been defined. Our objective was to develop and implement a training programme for RTs to achieve and sustain competence in lung ultrasound. Methods This was a single-centre, prospective, single-cohort observational study. A total of 10 RTs completed our curriculum and were tasked with independently completing and interpreting 10 initial lung ultrasound exams and 3 subsequent exams after a 6-week interim period. All exams were blindly overread by a local expert in lung ultrasound. Results After completing the curriculum, RTs were able to acquire and accurately interpret their images over 85% of the time. They were more successful in the upper lung zone image acquisition and interpretation compared with the lower lung zones. After 6 weeks, the RTs' lung POCUS skills remained stable, and their lower lung zone image interpretation improved. The RTs reported that their confidence improved throughout the study. Conclusion The RTs in our study have demonstrated competence in acquisition and interpretation of upper lung zone images. They have also reported confidence in acquiring and interpreting upper lung zone images. More experience appears to be required to gain competence and confidence in lower lung zone ultrasound. Next steps would be to repeat the present study with a higher number of RTs completing at least 20 lung POCUS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Young
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON,Department of Medicine, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ON,Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Derek Wu
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON
| | - Frank Myslik
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON,Department of Critical Care, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON
| | - Dany Burke
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON
| | - Michelle Stephens
- Department of Critical Care, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON
| | - Robert Arntfield
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON,Department of Critical Care, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON
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Humphries AL, White JMB, Guinn RE, Braude DA. Paramedic-Performed Carotid Artery Ultrasound Heralds Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 27:107-111. [PMID: 34990301 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.2022257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has been demonstrated to have multiple applications in the care of critically ill and injured patients, especially given its portability and ease of use. These characteristics of POCUS make it ideal for use in the prehospital environment as well. We present a case that highlights a novel application of ultrasound in the prehospital management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Humphries
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jenna M B White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - R Elliott Guinn
- Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, City of Rio Rancho, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
| | - Darren A Braude
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.,Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, City of Rio Rancho, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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The Evolving Role of Ultrasound in Prehospital and Emergency Medicine. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CLINICS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpha.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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von Foerster N, Radomski MA, Martin-Gill C. Prehospital Ultrasound: A Narrative Review. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 28:1-13. [PMID: 36194192 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2132332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Point-of-care ultrasound is rapidly becoming more prevalent in the prehospital environment. Though considered a relatively new intervention in this setting, there is growing literature that aims to explore the use of prehospital ultrasound by EMS personnel.Methods: To better understand and report the state of the science on prehospital ultrasound, we conducted a narrative review of the literature.Results: Following a keyword search of MEDLINE in Ovid from inception to August 2, 2022, 2,564 records were identified and screened. Based on review of abstracts and full texts, with addition of seven articles via bibliography review, 193 records were included. Many included studies detail usage in air medical and other critical care transport environments. Clinicians performing prehospital ultrasound are often physicians or other advanced practice personnel who have previous ultrasound experience, which facilitates implementation in the prehospital setting. Emerging literature details training programs for prehospital personnel who are novices to ultrasound, and implementation for some study types appears feasible without prior experience. Unique use scenarios that show promise include during critical care transport, for triage in austere settings, and for thoracic evaluation of patients at risk of life-threatening pathology.Conclusion: There is a growing mostly observational body of literature describing the use of ultrasound by prehospital personnel. Prehospital ultrasound has demonstrated feasibility for specific conditions, yet interventional studies evaluating benefit to patient outcomes are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas von Foerster
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marek A Radomski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Christian Martin-Gill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
AIM Paramedics received training in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to assess for cardiac contractility during management of medical out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The primary outcome was the percentage of adequate POCUS video acquisition and accurate video interpretation during OHCA resuscitations. Secondary outcomes included POCUS impact on patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence. METHODS A prospective, observational cohort study of paramedics was performed following a four-hour training session, which included a didactic lecture and hands-on POCUS instruction. The Prehospital Echocardiogram in Cardiac Arrest (PECA) protocol was developed and integrated into the resuscitation algorithm for medical non-shockable OHCA. The ultrasound (US) images were reviewed by a single POCUS expert investigator to determine the adequacy of the POCUS video acquisition and accuracy of the video interpretation. Change in patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence data, including end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) monitoring following advanced airway placement, adrenaline administration, and compression pauses under ten seconds, were queried from the prehospital electronic health record (EHR). RESULTS Captured images were deemed adequate in 42/49 (85.7%) scans and paramedic interpretation of sonography was accurate in 43/49 (87.7%) scans. The POCUS results altered patient management in 14/49 (28.6%) cases. Paramedics adhered to EtCO2 monitoring in 36/36 (100.0%) patients with an advanced airway, adrenaline administration for 38/38 (100.0%) patients, and compression pauses under ten seconds for 36/38 (94.7%) patients. CONCLUSION Paramedics were able to accurately obtain and interpret cardiac POCUS videos during medical OHCA while adhering to a resuscitation protocol. These findings suggest that POCUS can be effectively integrated into paramedic protocols for medical OHCA.
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Schoeneck JH, Coughlin RF, Baloescu C, Cone DC, Liu RB, Kalam S, Medoro AK, Medoro I, Joseph D, Burns K, Bohrer-Clancy JI, Moore CL. Paramedic-performed Prehospital Point-of-care Ultrasound for Patients with Undifferentiated Dyspnea: A Pilot Study. West J Emerg Med 2021; 22:750-755. [PMID: 34125056 PMCID: PMC8203026 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2020.12.49254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thoracic ultrasound is frequently used in the emergency department (ED) to determine the etiology of dyspnea, yet its use is not widespread in the prehospital setting. We sought to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic performance of paramedic acquisition and assessment of thoracic ultrasound images in the prehospital environment, specifically for the detection of B-lines in congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS This was a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of adult patients with a chief complaint of dyspnea. Paramedics participated in a didactic and hands-on session instructing them how to use a portable ultrasound device. Paramedics assessed patients for the presence of B-lines. Sensitivity and specificity for the presence of bilateral B-lines and any B-lines were calculated based on discharge diagnosis. Clips archived to the ultrasound units were reviewed and paramedic interpretations were compared to expert sonologist interpretations. RESULTS A total of 63 paramedics completed both didactic and hands-on training, and 22 performed ultrasounds in the field. There were 65 patients with B-line findings recorded and a discharge diagnosis for analysis. The presence of bilateral B-lines for diagnosis of CHF yielded a sensitivity of 80.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51.4-94.7%) and specificity of 72.0% (95% CI, 57.3-83.3), while presence of any B-lines was 93.3% sensitive (95% CI, 66.0-99.7%), and 50% specific (95% CI, 35.7-64.2%) for CHF. Paramedics archived 117 ultrasound clips of which 63% were determined to be adequate for interpretation. Comparison of paramedic and expert sonologist interpretation of images showed good inter-rater agreement for detection of any B-lines (k = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.36-0.84). CONCLUSION This observational pilot study suggests that prehospital lung ultrasound for B-lines may aid in identifying or excluding CHF as a cause of dyspnea. The presence of bilateral B-lines as determined by paramedics is reasonably sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of CHF and pulmonary edema, while the absence of B lines is likely to exclude significant decompensated heart failure. The study was limited by being a convenience sample and highlighted some of the difficulties related to prehospital research. Larger funded trials will be needed to provide more definitive data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob H Schoeneck
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ryan F Coughlin
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cristiana Baloescu
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David C Cone
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rachel B Liu
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sharmin Kalam
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Amanda K Medoro
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ian Medoro
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Daniel Joseph
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kevin Burns
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jesse I Bohrer-Clancy
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christopher L Moore
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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13
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Pietersen PI, Mikkelsen S, Lassen AT, Helmerik S, Jørgensen G, Nadim G, Christensen HM, Wittrock D, Laursen CB. Quality of focused thoracic ultrasound performed by emergency medical technicians and paramedics in a prehospital setting: a feasibility study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2021; 29:40. [PMID: 33632276 PMCID: PMC7908705 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-021-00856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a prehospital setting, the severity of respiratory symptoms in patients calling for an ambulance differ. The initial evaluation, diagnosing, and thereby management can be challenging because respiratory symptoms can be caused by disease in many organs. Ultrasound examinations can contribute with important information and support the clinical decision-making. However, ultrasound is user-dependent and requires sufficient knowledge and training. The aim of this study was to explore the quality of thoracic ultrasound examinations performed on patients by emergency medical technicians and paramedics in a prehospital, clinical setting. METHODS From November 2018 - April 2020, Danish emergency medical technicians and paramedics (n = 100) performed thoracic ultrasound examinations on patients with respiratory symptoms using a portable ultrasound device. The ultrasound examinations were stored and retrospectively assessed by a reviewer blinded to the patients' symptoms and history, as well as the emergency medical technicians' and paramedics' findings. The image quality was scored from 1 to 5. The findings determined by the reviewer was then correlated with a questionnaire filled out by the emergency medical technicians and paramedics regarding ultrasonic findings and potential change in treatment or management of the patient. The agreement in percentage and as Cohen's kappa was explored. RESULTS A total of 590 ultrasound examinations were assessed, resulting in a median image quality score of 3 (IQ1 = 4, IQ3 = 3). The overall agreement in percentage between the emergency medical technicians and paramedics and reviewer was high (87.7% for a normal scan, 89.9% for interstitial syndrome, 97.3% for possible pneumothorax, and 96.3% for pleural effusion). Cohen's kappa varied from 0.01 for possible pneumothorax to 0.69 for pleural effusion. Based on the questionnaires (n = 406), the ultrasound examination entailed a change in treatment or visitation in 48 cases (11.7%) which in this study population encompasses a number-needed-to-scan of 8.5. CONCLUSION Emergency medical technicians and paramedics perform focused thoracic ultrasound examinations with adequate image quality sufficient to determine if pathology is present or not. The emergency medical technicians' and paramedics' assessment correlates to some extent with an experienced reviewer and their findings are most reliable for the inclusion of a normal scan or inclusion of pleural effusion. Implementation could possibly impact the number of patients receiving correct prehospital treatment and optimal choice of receiving facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Iben Pietersen
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, entrance 87, 1st floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
- Regional Center for Technical Simulation, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Søren Mikkelsen
- The Prehospital Research Unit, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Annmarie T Lassen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Simon Helmerik
- Department of Quality & Education, Ambulance Syd, Region of Southern Denmark, 5220, Odense SØ, Denmark
| | - Gitte Jørgensen
- Ambulance Syd, Region of Southern Denmark, 5220, Odense SØ, Denmark
| | - Giti Nadim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Helle Marie Christensen
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, entrance 87, 1st floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Daniel Wittrock
- Department of Quality & Education, Ambulance Syd, Region of Southern Denmark, 5220, Odense SØ, Denmark
| | - Christian B Laursen
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, entrance 87, 1st floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
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14
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Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound during cardiac arrest: a reliable tool for termination of resuscitation? Curr Opin Crit Care 2020; 26:603-611. [PMID: 33002970 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is commonly used during cardiac arrest to screen for potential causes and to inform termination of resuscitation. However, unique biases and limitations in diagnostic and prognostic test accuracy studies lead to potential for misinterpretation. The present review highlights recent evidence regarding POCUS in cardiac arrest, guides the incorporation of POCUS into clinical management, and outlines how to improve the certainty of evidence. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple frameworks organize and direct POCUS during cardiac arrest. Although many are proofs of concept, several have been prospectively evaluated. Indirect evidence from undifferentiated shock suggests that POCUS offers better specificity than sensitivity as a diagnostic aid. The prognostic accuracy of POCUS during cardiac arrest to predict subsequent clinical outcomes is better characterized, but subject to unique biases and confounding. Low certainty direct evidence suggests that POCUS offers better specificity than sensitivity as a prognostic aid. SUMMARY POCUS findings might indicate a particular diagnosis or encourage the continuation of resuscitation, but absence of the same is not sufficient in isolation to exclude a particular diagnosis or cease resuscitation. Until the evidence to support POCUS during cardiac arrest is more certain, it is best characterized as a diagnostic and prognostic adjunct.
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15
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Amaral CB, Ralston DC, Becker TK. Prehospital point-of-care ultrasound: A transformative technology. SAGE Open Med 2020; 8:2050312120932706. [PMID: 32782792 PMCID: PMC7383635 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120932706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound at the bedside has evolved into an essential component of emergency patient care. Current evidence supports its use across a wide spectrum of medical and traumatic diseases in a variety of settings. The prehospital use of ultrasound has evolved from a niche technology to impending widespread adoption across emergency medical services systems internationally. Recent technological advances and a growing evidence base support this trend. However, concerns regarding feasibility, education, and quality assurance must be addressed proactively. This topical review describes the history of prehospital ultrasound, initial training needs, ongoing skill maintenance, quality assurance and improvement requirements, available devices, and indications for prehospital ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colton B Amaral
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel C Ralston
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Torben K Becker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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16
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Čelutkienė J, Lainscak M, Anderson L, Gayat E, Grapsa J, Harjola VP, Manka R, Nihoyannopoulos P, Filardi PP, Vrettou R, Anker SD, Filippatos G, Mebazaa A, Metra M, Piepoli M, Ruschitzka F, Zamorano JL, Rosano G, Seferovic P. Imaging in patients with suspected acute heart failure: timeline approach position statement on behalf of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur J Heart Fail 2019; 22:181-195. [PMID: 31815347 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.1678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute heart failure is one of the main diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in clinical practice due to a non-specific clinical manifestation and the urgent need for timely and tailored management at the same time. In this position statement, the Heart Failure Association aims to systematize the use of various imaging methods in accordance with the timeline of acute heart failure care proposed in the recent guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. During the first hours of admission the point-of-care focused cardiac and lung ultrasound examination is an invaluable tool for rapid differential diagnosis of acute dyspnoea, which is highly feasible and relatively easy to learn. Several portable and stationary imaging modalities are being increasingly used for the evaluation of cardiac structure and function, haemodynamic and volume status, precipitating myocardial ischaemia or valvular abnormalities, and systemic and pulmonary congestion. This paper emphasizes the central role of the full echocardiographic examination in the identification of heart failure aetiology, severity of cardiac dysfunction, indications for specific heart failure therapy, and risk stratification. Correct evaluation of cardiac filling pressures and accurate prognostication may help to prevent unscheduled short-term readmission. Alternative advanced imaging modalities should be considered to assist patient management in the pre- and post-discharge phase, including cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear studies, and coronary angiography. The Heart Failure Association addresses this paper to the wide spectrum of acute care and heart failure specialists, highlighting the value of all available imaging techniques at specific stages and in common clinical scenarios of acute heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Čelutkienė
- Clinic of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,State Research Institute Centre For Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mitja Lainscak
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Research and Education, General Hospital Celje, Celje, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lisa Anderson
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Etienne Gayat
- Department of Anesthesiology, Burn and Critical Care Medicine, AP-HP, Saint Louis and Lariboisière University Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Julia Grapsa
- Barts Heart Center, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Veli-Pekka Harjola
- Emergency Medicine, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robert Manka
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petros Nihoyannopoulos
- Unit of Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases/Heart Center of the Young and Athletes, First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rosa Vrettou
- Department of Clinical Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Department of Cardiology (CVK); and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT); German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) Partner Site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerasimos Filippatos
- Department of Clinical Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandre Mebazaa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Burn and Critical Care Medicine, AP-HP, Saint Louis and Lariboisière University Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Marco Metra
- Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Piepoli
- Cardiac Department, Guglielmo da Saliceto Polichirurgico Hospital AUSL Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Frank Ruschitzka
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Failure Clinic and Transplantation, University Heart Center Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Giuseppe Rosano
- Clinical Academic Group, St George's Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK; Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Petar Seferovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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17
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Swamy V, Brainin P, Biering-Sørensen T, Platz E. Ability of non-physicians to perform and interpret lung ultrasound: A systematic review. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2019; 18:474-483. [PMID: 31018658 DOI: 10.1177/1474515119845972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung ultrasound is a useful tool in the assessment of pulmonary congestion in heart failure that is typically performed and interpreted by physicians at the point-of-care. AIMS To investigate the ability of nurses, students, and paramedics to accurately identify B-lines and pleural effusions for the detection of pulmonary congestion in heart failure and to examine the training necessary. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a systematic review and searched online databases for studies that investigated the ability of nurses, students, and paramedics to perform lung ultrasound and detect B-lines and pleural effusions. Of 979 studies identified, 14 met our inclusion criteria: five in nurses, eight in students, and one in paramedics. After 0-12 h of didactic training and 58-62 practice lung ultrasound examinations, nurses were able to identify B-lines and pleural effusions with a sensitivity of 79-98% and a specificity of 70-99%. In image adequacy studies, medical students with 2-9 h of training were able to acquire adequate images for B-lines and pleural effusions in 50-100%. Only one eligible study investigated paramedic-performed lung ultrasound which did not support the ability of paramedics to adequately acquire and interpret lung ultrasound images after 2 h of training. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that nurses and students can accurately acquire and interpret lung ultrasound images after a brief training period in a majority of cases. The examination of heart failure patients with lung ultrasound by non-clinicians appears feasible and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Swamy
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Philip Brainin
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.,2 Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- 2 Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Elke Platz
- 1 Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA.,3 Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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18
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Hon S, Fan M, Leung LP, Mok KL, Kwok KM. A short report on the acquisition of point-of-care ultrasound skills and knowledge by the ambulance personnel in Hong Kong. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1024907918783811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Point-of-care ultrasound plays an important role in patient management in the prehospital setting. Prehospital ultrasound training for the paramedics has been developed in the West for many years. However, the present training curriculum for the local ambulance personnel does not include point-of-care ultrasound. This study is the first of its kind in Hong Kong on the feasibility of teaching ambulance personnel how to perform focused assessment with sonography in trauma by a 1-day course. Objective: It aimed to assess whether the ultrasound-naïve ambulance personnel could acquire the skills and knowledge of point-of-care ultrasound following a tailor-made training programme. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. The training programme was a 1-day course consisted of didactic lectures and hands-on practice. Each participant was assessed by a written test and a skills test. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the ambulance personnel and their results of the written and skills test. Significance testing was by Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman correlation test where appropriate. Results: Seventeen members of Ambulance Service Institute (Hong Kong Branch) participated in the programme. All of them currently are the ambulance personnel and they joined the programme via the captioned institute. Enrollment was voluntary. The median score in the written test was 20 out of 25. The median time to complete the four views of the focused assessment with sonography in trauma scan was 3.4 min. There was no significant relationship between test performance and educational background and work experience of the ambulance personnel. Conclusion: Training the local ambulance personnel point-of-care ultrasound is feasible. Their acquisition of skills and knowledge of point-of-care ultrasound after a 1-day course was satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suet Hon
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Min Fan
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ling-Pong Leung
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Leung Mok
- Accident & Emergency Department, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong
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19
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Bøtker MT, Jacobsen L, Rudolph SS, Knudsen L. The role of point of care ultrasound in prehospital critical care: a systematic review. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2018; 26:51. [PMID: 29940990 PMCID: PMC6019293 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-018-0518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2011, the role of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) was defined as one of the top five research priorities in physician-provided prehospital critical care and future research topics were proposed; the feasibility of prehospital POCUS, changes in patient management induced by POCUS and education of providers. This systematic review aimed to assess these three topics by including studies examining all kinds of prehospital patients undergoing all kinds of prehospital POCUS examinations and studies examining any kind of POCUS education in prehospital critical care providers. Methods and results By a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, we identified and screened titles and abstracts of 3264 studies published from 2012 to 2017. Of these, 65 studies were read in full-text for assessment of eligibility and 27 studies were ultimately included and assessed for quality by SIGN-50 checklists. No studies compared patient outcome with and without prehospital POCUS. Four studies of acceptable quality demonstrated feasibility and changes in patient management in trauma. Two studies of acceptable quality demonstrated feasibility and changes in patient management in breathing difficulties. Four studies of acceptable quality demonstrated feasibility, outcome prediction and changes in patient management in cardiac arrest, but also that POCUS may prolong pauses in compressions. Two studies of acceptable quality demonstrated that short (few hours) teaching sessions are sufficient for obtaining simple interpretation skills, but not image acquisition skills. Three studies of acceptable quality demonstrated that longer one- or two-day courses including hands-on training are sufficient for learning simple, but not advanced, image acquisition skills. Three studies of acceptable quality demonstrated that systematic educational programs including supervised examinations are sufficient for learning advanced image acquisition skills in healthy volunteers, but that more than 50 clinical examinations are required for expertise in a clinical setting. Conclusion Prehospital POCUS is feasible and changes patient management in trauma, breathing difficulties and cardiac arrest, but it is unknown if this improves outcome. Expertise in POCUS requires extensive training by a combination of theory, hands-on training and a substantial amount of clinical examinations – a large part of these needs to be supervised. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13049-018-0518-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Thingemann Bøtker
- Research and Development, Prehospital Emergency Medical Services, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Lars Jacobsen
- Department of Research and Development, Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,Air Ambulance department, Sorlandet Hospital Thrust, Arendal, Norway
| | - Søren Steemann Rudolph
- Centre of Head and Orthopedics, Department of Anaesthesia, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,The Emergency Medical Services, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Knudsen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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20
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Workman A, Hecht C, Crawford C, Sewell B, Rippy W, Palla D, Yamada R, Duane TM, Gandhi RR. Can Firefighters be Taught Ultrasound? Am Surg 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/000313481808400606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Workman
- The University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Carrie Hecht
- John Peter Smith Health Network Fort Worth, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | - Roy Yamada
- Emergency Medical Services Hurst Fire Rescue Hurst, Texas
| | - Therese M. Duane
- University of North Texas Fort Worth, Texas Department of Surgery for Quality and Safety John Peter Smith Hospital Fort Worth, Texas Acute Care Surgery Research John Peter Smith Hospital Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Rajesh R. Gandhi
- Department of Trauma John Peter Smith Hospital Fort Worth, Texas University of North Texas Fort Worth, Texas
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21
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Pommet S, Claret PG, de La Coussaye JE, Bobbia X. Échographie et prise en charge de l’arrêt cardiaque. ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.3166/afmu-2018-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
L’arrêt cardiorespiratoire (ACR) est une situation fréquente pour les structures d’urgences et de réanimation, et l’utilisation de l’échographie y est recommandée par les sociétés savantes. Elle doit impérativement se faire sans augmentation des temps d’interruption du massage cardiaque externe. Après formation, elle permet de détecter rapidement et facilement la présence d’une contractilité myocardique qui est un élément pronostique important pouvant aider dans la décision d’arrêter la RCP. Le recours à des protocoles bien établis avec des équipes entraînées permet d’éviter une interruption prolongée de la RCP. Cependant, aucune étude humaine de grande ampleur n’a permis de décrire de manière fiable pendant l’ACR la sémiologie échographique des causes curables que constituent l’hypovolémie, l’embolie pulmonaire, la tamponnade et le pneumothorax compressif.
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22
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Vyas A, Moran K, Livingston J, Gonzales S, Torres M, Duffens A, Romo CM, Mazza G, Livingston B, Lahham S, Fox JC. Feasibility study of minimally trained medical students using the Rural Obstetrical Ultrasound Triage Exam (ROUTE) in rural Panama. World J Emerg Med 2018; 9:216-222. [PMID: 29796147 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and infant mortality rates reported in rural Panama are greater than those in urban regions. Bocas del Toro is a region of Panama inhabited by indigenous people at greater risk for pregnancy-related complications and deaths due to geographic isolation and limited access to health care. Portable ultrasound training programs have recently been implemented in low-resource settings to increase access to diagnostic imaging. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of teaching first-year medical students the Rural Obstetrical Ultrasound Triage Exam (ROUTE) to help identify pathology in pregnant women of the Bocas del Toro region of Panama. METHODS Eight first-year medical students completed ROUTE training sessions. After training, the students were compared to professional sonographers to evaluate their accuracy in performing the ROUTE. Students then performed the ROUTE in mobile clinics within Bocas del Toro. They enrolled women pregnant in their 2nd or 3rd trimesters and measured biparietal diameter, head circumference, amniotic fluid index, fetal lie and placental position. Any abnormal measurement would be further analyzed by the lead physician for a potential hospital referral. RESULTS A total of 60 women were enrolled in the study. Four women were detected as having a possible high-risk pregnancy and thus referred to a hospital for further evaluation. CONCLUSION Based on our data, first-year medical students with additional training can use the ROUTE to identify complications in pregnancy using ultrasound in rural Panama. Additional studies are required to determine the optimal amount of training required for proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annasha Vyas
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Katherine Moran
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joshua Livingston
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Savannah Gonzales
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Marlene Torres
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ali Duffens
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Genevieve Mazza
- School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Briana Livingston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Shadi Lahham
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - John Christian Fox
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA 92868, USA
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