What does this research mean for the field?

While Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is frequently used for cardiopulmonary assessment and procedural guidance in neonatal emergencies in India, its effective implementation is significantly hindered by inadequate training, image interpretation challenges, and a lack of institutional support. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate the use of POCUS in neonatal care, focusing on its applications, barriers, and training requirements in India.

May 29, 2026Open Access

Diagnostic Use of Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Neonatal Emergencies: A Nationwide Survey Among Neonatologists in India

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate the use of POCUS in neonatal care, focusing on its applications, barriers, and training requirements in India.
Conducted a survey of practicing neonatologists in India using a structured Google Form.
Collected demographic data, POCUS usage patterns, and perceived barriers through cross-sectional design.
Survey period was from November 1 to December 31, 2024.
120 out of 212 neonatologists completed the survey, with POCUS usage reported at 80% for respiratory distress.
Identified barriers include inadequate training (70%), image interpretation challenges (35%), and lack of institutional support (25%).
90% of respondents endorsed formal certification and tele-ultrasound programs to enhance POCUS usage.

Abstract

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely recognized for its diagnostic and procedural roles in neonatal emergencies. However, its application in Indian healthcare settings remains limited. Objective: To assess the extent of POCUS use in neonatal practice concerning its clinical applications, barriers, and training and educational needs within the Indian context. Methods: Practicing neonatologists in India were surveyed using a structured Google Form from November 1 to December 31, 2024. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect demographic information and patterns of POCUS usage, including training and barriers, as well as attitudes towards future implementation strategies. Results: Out of 212 neonatologists contacted for the survey, 120 completed it. POCUS was most frequently used for the assessment of respiratory distress (80%), hemodynamic instability (65%), and procedural assistance (55%). The most frequently cited barriers were inadequate training (70%), challenges with image interpretation (35%), and lack of institutional support (25%). Most respondents supported establishing formal certification (90%) and a tele-ultrasound program. Formally trained neonatologists used more frequently and with higher confidence. Conclusion: POCUS is widely used in neonatal emergencies in India, particularly for cardiopulmonary assessment and procedural guidance. However, there are persistent gaps in training standards, image interpretation skills, and institutional support. There is an urgent need for certification programs and structured educational pathways to ensure safe and consistent practice.

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