Point of care ultrasound: the next evolution of medical education

摘要

Medical ultrasound was initially developed and implemented in the 1940s and has since held a traditional role in fields such as radiology, obstetrics, and cardiology. With the rise of technology and the increased accessibility and speed of imaging modalities, it is not surprising that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has now increased in popularity. From trauma surveys for hemorrhage to assessment of volume status and delineation of shock etiology, POCUS is proving to be a useful tool that bridges the gap between the physical exam and more advanced imaging such as CT or MRI. POCUS is yet another by-product of the continual push for efficiency of diagnosis in modern hospitals. Point of care testing in general has been shown to minimize the delay between onset of symptoms and initiation of definitive therapy, ultimately decreasing morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients and achieving better patient outcomes ( ).