Mapping the Quality and Standardization of Methodological Reports in POCUS Research: A Scoping Review Protocol

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential tool for diagnosis and monitoring across diverse clinical settings, enabling rapid and safe decision-making. Despite its widespread use, considerable heterogeneity persists in how studies report methodological aspects such as protocol descriptions, operator qualifications, and equipment characteristics. This lack of standardization limits comparability between studies, compromises reproducibility, and hinders the integration of POCUS into clinical guidelines and training curricula.

To map and critically analyze the methodological aspects of studies using POCUS, with a focus on standardization, quality, and reproducibility of reported procedures.

This scoping review will follow the JBI guidelines and be reported according to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Searches will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, without restrictions on language or publication period. We will include original studies applying POCUS in humans, regardless of clinical context. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts, and full texts, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements. Data will be extracted using a standardized form adapted from JBI, capturing information on study design, population characteristics, ultrasound protocols, operator qualifications, and reported outcomes. Results will be synthesized descriptively and organized according to the I-AIM framework (Indication, Acquisition, Interpretation, and Medical Decision-Making), supplemented with tables, conceptual diagrams, and visual representations.

Given the variability in POCUS literature, this scoping review will identify patterns, inconsistencies, and gaps in methodological reporting. Although international frameworks, such as I-AIM provide guidance, adherence remains inconsistent, underscoring the need for more uniform standards. Findings from this review are expected to inform reporting practices, enhance methodological quality, and support the safe and effective incorporation of POCUS into clinical practice.