Impact of point-of-care ultrasound on the diagnosis and treatment of patients in rural Uganda. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baker, Daniel E; Nolting, Laura; Brown, Heather A
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 51:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 296
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Africa -- location -- diagnosis -- other -- equipment -- other -- community health -- disease control -- disease; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475520986425
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

Œ: Ultrasound is increasingly used by physicians at the bedside to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and is particularly useful in the resource-limited setting. The purpose of this study was to determine whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by physicians changed the diagnosis or treatment of patients in mobile clinics in rural Uganda. Patients presenting to mobile clinics in Uganda were assessed by physicians and, when appropriate, POCUS was performed. When available, a radiologist reviewed ultrasound images in real time. A de-identified questionnaire was completed for each ultrasound and reviewed retrospectively. A total of 177 ultrasounds were performed. A radiologist reviewed 50% of the ultrasounds. In 73% of patients, the findings either confirmed (50%) or changed (23%) a diagnosis. In 53% of patients, the ultrasound findings changed the treatment plan. POCUS positively impacted patient care in rural Ugandan clinics by improving diagnostic capabilities and influencing treatment plans.