Pediatric emergency medicine point-of-care ultrasound: summary of the evidence

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Medical Ultrasound
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely recognized for its utility in medical settings.
• Pediatric emergency medicine providers increasingly adopt POCUS in their daily practice.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics endorses POCUS use by pediatric emergency medicine providers.

Approach:

• This document offers a foundational "how-to" guide for performing individual POCUS examinations.
• It aims to establish standardized reporting guidelines for POCUS in pediatric emergency medicine.
• The paper serves as a reference for published research and learning objectives.

Key Points:

• There is a lack of standardized guidelines for POCUS practice in pediatric emergency medicine.
• This paper presents an initial framework for POCUS implementation and education.
• It emphasizes the importance of research, learner objectives, and consistent reporting.

Conclusions:

• This document represents a crucial first step towards standardizing POCUS in pediatric emergency medicine.
• It provides essential resources for providers, educators, and researchers in the field.
• Adherence to these guidelines will enhance the quality and consistency of POCUS application.