Implementation of prehospital point-of-care ultrasound using a novel continuous feedback approach in a UK helicopter emergency medical service.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There has been increased use of prehospital point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) by helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) in recent years. Lack of governance structure and evidence of benefit have been described as major barriers to its implementation. This paper describes a novel approach to implementation of prehospital PoCUS and clinical governance framework in a UK HEMS.

Methods

A retrospective database review was undertaken at London's Air Ambulance (LAA) from 1st September 2021 to 31st March 2023. All patients who had PoCUS examination were included. Scans were archived in a cloud-based server and reviewed weekly by expert clinicians. They were graded in adequacy, agreement between reviewer and clinician was recorded and fed back to the clinicians allowin

SUBMITTER: Naeem S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11796228 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature