Current and perceived optimal use of point-of-care ultrasound in urology

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable tool for clinicians, but little data exists regarding the perceptions of ideal POCUS utilization, as compared to actual use, amongst urologists. We aim to assess how perceptions align or diverge with actual practice.

An institutional review board (IRB)-approved survey was developed and disseminated by email to 6 of 8 American Urologic Association Sections, program directors via the Society of Academic Urologists, and to 2 residency programs. The primary outcome was to assess differences in current and perceived optimal use. Data was collected via the University of Iowa RedCap system. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analyses were performed.

184 non-trainees and 41 trainees completed the survey. Rates of current POCUS use were significantly lower than perceived optimal usage for renal (58% to 88%, p < 0.001), testis (37% to 74%, p < 0.001), and penile (19% to 37%, p < 0.001) application amongst the urologic organs. Current use was also lower than perceived optimal use with regard to utilization in the emergency room (16% to 39%, p < 0.001) and for diagnostic purposes (53% to 81%, p < 0.001), regardless of organ focus. Sub-analysis found that trainees, compared to non-trainees, identified the inpatient unit (54% to 18%, p < 0.001) and emergency room (81% to 35%, p < 0.001) as optimal locations for use.

Perceptions of POCUS use differ between trainees and non-trainees, especially the location of use. These results help identify areas for which training could be focused, as well as highlight the need for further research on generational variation in desired POCUS use.