Ultrasonography Performed by Military Nurses in Combat Operations: A Perspective for the Future?

Area of Science:

• Medical Ultrasound
• Military Nursing
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Background:

• Military nurses (MNs) in French operations often provide solo support in isolated areas.
• Advanced practice nurses in civilian settings are expanding their skill sets.
• The study investigates MNs' willingness to adopt new diagnostic tools like POCUS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess military nurses' willingness to be trained in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS).
• To understand MNs' perceptions of POCUS usefulness in military operations.
• To identify specific ultrasound (US) applications and targets most valued by MNs.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was distributed to MNs deployed in Operation Barkhane (Nov-Dec 2018).
• The questionnaire gathered data on willingness to train, perceived usefulness, and preferred US targets.
• 30 out of 34 MNs completed the survey, reporting an average of 7.4 years of practice and 3 deployments.

Main Results:

• 96% of untrained MNs expressed a desire for POCUS training.
• 29 MNs (96%) believed POCUS knowledge would add significant value, especially in isolated posts.
• Focused assessment with sonography for trauma, pleural, and renal US were identified as most useful targets.

Conclusions:

• Military nurses show strong interest in POCUS training, anticipating patient care benefits.
• Brief POCUS training appears sufficient for MNs to perform reliable field examinations.
• POCUS can enhance diagnostic capabilities for MNs in resource-limited operational environments.