Key result
Non-cardiologist point-of-care cardiac ultrasound provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic guidance in emergency and intensive care.
Why the study?
Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography performed by non-cardiologist physicians in emergency rooms and ICUs has shown potential benefits, but further understanding and research are needed.
Point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography is a valuable tool in critical care settings for structural and functional cardiac evaluation by non-cardiologists.
May support bedside cardiac assessment by non-cardiologists in acute settings; leaves open need for randomized outcome trials.
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an incredibly valuable tool in today's emergency rooms and intensive care units (ICUs). It has the ability to provide a complete evaluation of the structure and function of the heart, the valves, stroke volume, ejection fraction, and much more. Previous academic studies have also determined that point-of-care TTE done by non-cardiologist physicians can also provide higher accuracy in patient assessment and management, with potential prognostic impact by assessing the severity of cardiac dysfunction and response to treatment. The aim of this review article is to examine further these point-of-care evaluations, what they entail, their benefits, and where further research would better our own understanding.
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Patel et al. (2019) conducted a review in Critical illness / Shock. Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) was evaluated. Point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) performed by non-cardiologists in intensive care and emergency settings provides valuable diagnostic and prognostic information for patient management.
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