Diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound in medical inpatients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi: an observational study of practice and evaluation of implementation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In less well-resourced settings, where access to radiology services is limited, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can be used to assess patients and guide clinical management. The aim of this study was to describe ultrasound practice in the assessment of medical inpatients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, and evaluate uptake and impact of POCUS following the introduction of a training programme at the college of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

: A weekly prospective record review of sequential adult medical inpatients who had received an ultrasound examination was conducted.

Results

Of 835 patients screened, 250 patients were included; 267 ultrasound examinations were performed, of which 133 (50%) were POCUS (defined as performed by

SUBMITTER: Limani F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8326953 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature