A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Prevalence of Point-of-Care Abdominal Ultrasound Use Among Physicians

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2024

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: The abdominal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a targeted ultrasound performed and interpreted at the bedside. Abdominal pain is a common complaint in both primary care and emergency settings. Using POCUS allows physicians to quickly and effectively evaluate abdominal pathology and diagnose acute abdominal emergencies. This study analyzed the prevalence of abdominal ultrasound use and physicians’ attitudes toward this exam. Methods: Participants were sent an online survey with 12 total multiple choice and rating scale questions assessing the use of abdominal POCUS and its perceived benefit. The survey was sent to family medicine doctors, pediatricians, and primary care physicians; 239 anonymous responses were received. All participants consented to the use of their personal data. Results: The majority of physicians are strongly interested in learning and using POCUS to evaluate the abdomen. However, only 26.7% (64/239) reported using it. Among those who do, the majority had ultrasound courses during training (42/64; 65.6%). Others studied independently (6/64; 9.4%), observed colleagues performing POCUS (8/64; 12.5%), took short on-site courses (6/64; 9.4%), or used online material (2/64; 3.1%). Among physicians who don’t use abdominal POCUS in their practice, the main obstacle was a lack of appropriate skills (153/175; 87.4%). Other limitations included lack of access (96/175; 54.9%), time (29/175; 16.6%), and financial incentives (14/175; 8%). Perceived benefits of POCUS included rapid diagnosis (225/239; 94.1%), being a useful physical examination add-on (196/239; 82.0%), reducing healthcare costs (114/239; 47.7%), improving patient satisfaction (135/239; 56.5%) and outcomes (178/239; 74.4%). Conclusion: Our study shows that although most physicians are interested in using abdominal POCUS exam in their practice a majority do not use it due to lack of appropriate skills. The abdominal POCUS is a cost-effective and safe exam that allows physicians to evaluate the biliary, intestinal, and urinary tract in real time.

Volume

119

Issue

10S

First Page

S1528

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 25-30, 2024, Philadelphia, PA

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0001037928.16379.2a

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