What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess the effects of point-of-care ultrasound on stress and anxiety levels among pediatric patient-families in an emergency department.

May 28, 2026

Impact of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound on Patient‐Family Experience and Behavioral Response in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Randomized Control Survey Trial

Key Points

This study aims to assess the effects of point-of-care ultrasound on stress and anxiety levels among pediatric patient-families in an emergency department.
Conducted a randomized study (1:1) involving pediatric patients (≤ 17 years) with clinical indications for point-of-care ultrasound.
Patients were assigned to either the POCUS or non-POCUS group, with pre- and post-surveys completed at triage and ED disposition.
Statistical analyses included Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, and Wilcoxon tests to compare group responses.
Significant reductions in anxiety were observed in both groups (Anxiety: p < 0.0001 for POCUS, p = 0.0003 for non-POCUS).
Stress levels also decreased significantly from pre- to post-survey assessments in both groups (Stress: p < 0.0001 for both).
Families receiving POCUS reported a greater perceived importance of imaging and noted a reduction in their stress and anxiety.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Existing literature indicates that patients respond positively to point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) across various clinical settings. However, limited research explores how patient‐families perceive its use in pediatric emergency department (ED) care. Our study aims to evaluate POCUS's impact on patient experience, stress, and anxiety in the pediatric ED. Methods We conducted a randomized study (1:1) of pediatric patients (≤ 17 years) presenting with a clinical indication for POCUS (lung, FAST, cardiac, or soft tissue applications). Patients were assigned to either a POCUS or non‐POCUS group, excluding those who were unstable or had prior POCUS evaluations. Patient‐families completed pre‐ and post‐surveys (5‐point Likert scale) at triage and ED disposition. Demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record. Statistical analyses included Chi‐Square, Fisher's Exact, Wilcoxon, and sign tests ( α = 0.05) to compare group responses and assess for changes in responses over time. Results A total of 200 patient‐families were enrolled. The cohort was primarily English‐speaking, non‐Hispanic White males, with an average age of 5.16 years (SEM ±0.37). Common chief complaints included cough (34%), fever (15%), abdominal pain (14%), and shortness of breath (13%). No significant differences were observed in patient experience or ED length of stay. Sign tests indicated significant reductions in stress and anxiety within both groups from pre‐ to post‐survey assessments Anxiety: p < 0.0001 (POCUS), p = 0.0003 (non‐POCUS); Stress: p < 0.0001 (POCUS), p < 0.0001 (non‐POCUS). POCUS patient‐families reported a significantly greater perceived importance of imaging and stated that POCUS directly alleviated their stress and anxiety. Conclusion The primary outcome, magnitude of change in stress and anxiety, demonstrated significant reductions in both POCUS and non‐POCUS groups. Despite similar findings within each group, families receiving POCUS reported greater perceived importance of imaging and strong support for its use, highlighting its potential to enhance patient‐centered care and support further research into its optimal implementation in pediatric emergency care.

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