Point-of-Care Ultrasonography by Advanced Practice Providers for Patients With Undifferentiated Shock

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Medical imaging
• Advanced practice provider education

Background:

• Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is supported by evidence for enhancing critical care.
• Implementation of POCUS by advanced practice providers (APPs) in an intensive care unit (ICU) was evaluated.
• The study assessed POCUS impact on undifferentiated shock management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if POCUS by APPs decreases time to intervention for undifferentiated shock.
• To assess if POCUS modifies treatment plans for patients with undifferentiated shock.
• To compare POCUS-assisted care with current practice without POCUS.

Main Methods:

• Baseline data on shock treatment were collected over 60 days.
• APPs received POCUS training focused on clinical integration.
• Post-intervention data were collected over 60 days to track evaluation and treatment.

Main Results:

• Time to intervention for undifferentiated shock did not significantly differ pre- and post-POCUS implementation.
• POCUS findings consistently altered or refined patient management.
• POCUS use confirmed clinical diagnoses and improved treatment delivery.

Conclusions:

• POCUS by APPs in ICUs does not delay critical interventions.
• POCUS aids in confirming diagnoses and refining treatment for undifferentiated shock.
• POCUS offers a structured approach to patient assessment and management, supporting its continued use in ICUs.