Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) telemedicine project in rural Nicaragua and its impact on patient management

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2015

Publication Title

J Ultrasound

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool in medicine. POCUS provides an easy and reproducible method of diagnosis where conventional radiologic studies are unavailable. Telemedicine is also a great means of communication between educators and students throughout the world.

HYPOTHESIS: Implementing POCUS with didactics and hands-on training, using portable ultrasound devices followed by telecommunication training, will impact the differential diagnosis and patient management in a rural community outside the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational prospective study implementing POCUS in Las Salinas, a small village in rural western Nicaragua. Ultrasound was used to confirm a diagnosis based on clinical exam, or uncover a new, previously unknown diagnosis. The primary endpoint was a change in patient management. International sonographic instructors conducted didactic and practical training of local practitioners in POCUS, subsequently followed by remote guidance and telecommunication for 3 months.

RESULTS: A total of 132 patients underwent ultrasound examination. The most common presentation was for a prenatal exam (23.5 %), followed by abdominal pain (17 %). Of the 132 patients, 69 (52 %) were found to have a new diagnosis. Excluding pregnancy, 67 patients of 101 (66 %) were found to have a new diagnosis. A change in management occurred in a total of 64 (48 %) patients, and 62 (61 %) after excluding pregnancy.

CONCLUSION: Implementing POCUS in rural Nicaragua led to a change in management in about half of the patients examined. With the appropriate training of clinicians, POCUS combined with telemedicine can positively impact patient care.

PubMed ID

26191106

Volume

18

Issue

2

First Page

179

Last Page

185

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