Point-of-care Ultrasound Performed By Pediatric Provider in a Community Setting Practice

Background and aims: Bedside UltraSound is a safe technology with numerous applications and can be performed parallel to physical examination for rapid assessment of ill children presenting a variety of symptoms.

Objective: To assess UltraSound application as an important modality to reinforce clinical diagnosis and decision-making and cost containing in the context of the community system of care.

Material and method: Observational review study of our experience in pediatric ambulatory setting practice: a total of 3.250 US examinations were performed between years 2000 and 2015.

In this study we review our results to determine the benefits of US technique in pediatric patients presenting with wide spectrum of clinical conditions: in acute illness, late detection of congenital anomalies among infants and follow up of repaired and unrepaired heart conditions.

Conclusions: Despite challenges associated with integrating point of care US into pediatrics, major efforts should be done to make more pediatricians familiar with diagnostic US tool and give them sufficient skills in their workplace setting practice.

UltraSound system are becoming more affordable and easy to use, however, US results depend on the operator`s training and experience.

Appropriate training and educational programs are mandatory to ensure that many physicians: can accurately perform and interpret bedside US examination and learn how to incorporate US findings in the clinical management of children.