Point-of-care ultrasound in the modern era of emergency medicine: a narrative review of the recent literature.
Authors
Affiliations (6)
Affiliations (6)
- Research Department, POCUS UK Group, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
- Research Department, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science Department, University College London, London.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield, East Midlands, UK.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has transformed emergency medicine by providing a noninvasive, accessible, repeatable, efficient, and cost-effective imaging tool to the bedside. This article is a narrative review of the most impactful POCUS literature over the past 18 months, identifying and highlighting the most common emerging themes. We identified five main themes in the recent POCUS literature: ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, POCUS in resuscitation, diagnostic POCUS, technology and artificial intelligence, and POCUS governance and administration. The recent body of literature strengthens the utility of POCUS in emergency medicine, demonstrating its efficacy, safety, and efficiency across multiple clinical scenarios. The literature continues to expand the scope of POCUS by covering new diagnostic applications and integrating emerging technologies, while continuing to build a robust governance framework. Future research should focus on patient-oriented outcomes, implications of POCUS protocolization and clinical application, and the impact of POCUS at hospital and healthcare systems levels.