POCUS: an introduction to point-of-care ultrasound technology

The term point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) refers to portable ultrasound systems that allow the assessment of patients without requiring them to be physically present in a radiology department.³

In other words, a good point-of-care technology definition would be to say that POCUS covers portable ultrasound devices used in the diagnostic process to address specific pathological hypotheses, at the bedside; in an emergency care unit, or in an ambulance.⁴ 

Many clinicians have agreed that POC ultrasound, due to its scoped capabilities, works well as a complement to physical assessment.⁵ The difference between traditional ultrasonography and POC ultrasound? The latter lets the doctor perform “acquisitions and interpretations of images at the point of care”⁶. They can use this curated data immediately to reach a quick and reliable diagnosis that will guide the next steps in the patient’s treatment journey.

Practical examples of POCUS ultrasound-assisted assessment used in the emergency setting include:

Each emergency specialty will have specific ultrasound protocols and skill sets required to meet their clinical needs.⁹  And with the increase in adherence to POCUS, medical societies continue to publish recommendations and guidelines for the use of point-of-care ultrasound that are specifically aligned with their scope of practice. For example, the Society of Critical Care Medicine has recently released guidelines on using ultrasonography for critically ill patients.¹⁰

This means that undergoing specialized training is of great importance when it comes to adhering to POC ultrasound effectively and safely. That’s why Philips has created, readily available, courses and quick guides that are procedure-specific and authored by physician experts.

Though the existence of varied training pathways points to a lack of a standardized and centralized curriculum around POCUS ultrasound, this emerging field continues to expand rapidly. Evidence shows that POCUS can undeniably improve “traditional examination techniques in the diagnosis and management” of critically ill patients. 

Another reason for this growth is that point-of-care ultrasound technology is constantly evolving and adapting to provide the support clinicians need.  

Case studies have shown that POCUS can:

Technology has evolved so that practitioners can make informed decisions about patient care management and diagnoses quickly, no matter where the patient is.

Innovation has allowed ultrasound systems to be uniquely simplified, so that scans can be performed where care is needed without compromising image quality and accuracy. A good example of this is the Compact Ultrasound System 5000 Series which includes many of the advances of Philips premium ultrasound systems in a compact design. It allows users to see more, more clearly at the point of care with advanced capabilities and quantification tools you would normally see only with a Philips cart-based system such as Auto Strain LV, Auto Measure, MicroFlow Imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastography, Live 3D TEE and xPlane imaging, 3D quantification, needle visualization to guide procedures, and compatibility across 24 Philips transducers.

Smaller handheld devices, such as Lumify with Reacts integrated tele-ultrasound have taken portability, accessibility and high-quality image results to the next level. The integrated platform allows professionals to collaborate, real-time, regardless of geographical location. The benefits? With quick and easy collaboration, diagnosis can be reached with more confidence – especially helpful for trainees seeking further expert guidance. Recent news demonstrates the impact Lumify has had in remote areas where access to care can be limited.  

As more and more professionals become adept to point-of-care technology, it’s likely that in the near future, educational committees worldwide will not only classify POC ultrasound as mandatory but will also provide ways through which point-of-care ultrasound can be integrated into the medical curricula in a standardized form.¹⁴ This is particularly relevant to the prevention and control of infection during emergency procedures where point-of-care ultrasound has become an essential aid. With training consensus and hospitals’ adherence to this technology, patients can continue to experience the benefits of point-of-care ultrasound.