Welcome
Welcome to the online learning website for the phase 5 point of care ultrasound Virtual Reality module.
about
Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is well established in many specialties, ranging from emergency medicine, anesthesia, general medicine, surgery and even general practice.
What is POCUS?
POCUS involves the use of ultrasound at the patients bedside to rapidly obtain valuable imaging information that can help clinicians to rule in or rule out a diagnosis. It can be considered as the 5th pillar of physical examination – Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation and Insonation (POCUS). When using POCUS, we should always interpret the findings in the context of the patient’s history and physical examination.
Who uses POCUS?
POCUS is typically used by the treating clinician at the bedside. Allied healthcare professionals are increasingly using POCUS as well. In order to use POCUS, one should be trained and accredited in point of care ultrasound. Training typically involves obtaining the knowledge and practical skills required for practicing POCUS, and is typically carried out in post-graduate medical education. The components required to practice POCUS include the following:
- Understanding the benefits, indications and limitations of POCUS.
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and correlation to ultrasound images.
- Basic ultrasound physics and knobology.
- Practical skills and image acquisition.
- Interpretation of ultrasound images.
POCUS vs consultative ultrasound. The difference.
POCUS is typically performed and interpreted by the treating clinician at the bedside. It is a limited focused study designed to answer a question that arises from the history and clinical examination. It is typically used to rule in or rule out a diagnosis.
A consultative ultrasound scan is performed by a technician and interpreted by a radiologist. It is designed to evaluate the organ being interrogated comprehensively.
Why is POCUS used?
- Speed: POCUS allows for quick assessment and diagnosis, leading to faster treatment decisions.
- Portability: The portable nature of POCUS machines allows for use in various settings, including at the patient’s bedside, in an ambulance, or even in remote locations.
- Cost-effectiveness: POCUS can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional imaging techniques, as it can help reduce the need for more extensive and expensive tests.
- Improved patient outcomes: By enabling quicker and more accurate diagnoses, POCUS can contribute to improved patient outcomes.
- Emergency medicine: Assessing trauma, airway compromise, and other acute conditions.
- Critical care: Monitoring lung and heart function, and assessing fluid status.
- Anesthesiology: Guiding procedures and assessing patient status.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Assessing fetal well-being and guiding procedures.
- Musculoskeletal medicine: Evaluating joint and soft tissue injuries.