EFSUMB Clinical Practice Guidelines for Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Part One (Common Heart and Pulmonary Applications)...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS)

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is increasingly utilized in clinical practice.
• Standardized recommendations are needed for common cardiac and pulmonary applications of PoCUS.
• Evidence-based guidance is crucial for optimizing PoCUS use in acute settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the evidence for common heart and lung applications of PoCUS.
• To develop consensus-derived summaries and recommendations for PoCUS utilization.
• To inform clinical practice and guide future research in PoCUS.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of evidence for 10 clinical questions regarding cardiac and pulmonary PoCUS applications was conducted.
• Levels of Evidence (LoE) and GRADE recommendations were assigned.
• 38 international experts (Expert Review Group) reviewed evidence and provided consensus through Likert scale agreement (≥75% required).

Main Results:

• One question reached strong consensus with LoE 3 and a weak GRADE recommendation.
• Nine questions achieved broad agreement, with varying LoE (2, 3, or 4) and GRADE recommendations (weak or strong).
• Two questions demonstrated strong consensus with LoE 2 and strong GRADE recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Consensus-derived recommendations for PoCUS in acute cardiac and lung applications have been established.
• These recommendations are expected to enhance clinical practice.
• The study highlights key areas for future research in PoCUS.