For our research we focus on several important aspects of POCUS. First, POCUS is important in hemodynamic monitoring and fluid resuscitation for acute ill patients as it is non-invasive, fast and can be repeated in time to guide resuscitation. POCUS may be combined with other non-invasive devices to estimate changes in cardiac output or monitor changes in vital signs. Second, our research focuses on the training program of POCUS, as the results are operator dependent and increasingly reliable with more experience. We need to optimize the ultrasound curriculum with assessment of proficiency as the optimal way to assess proficiency or the minimal number of exams needed to obtain reliable results remain unknown. It is important to integrate ultrasound/ POCUS sooner in the Bachelor of Medicine. Learning ultrasound principles and creating a 3D functional image from 2D images by combining it with physiology and anatomy lessons and teaching methods enhances learning. New technologies may be integrated in the curriculum for efficient teaching. Also, we investigate the effect of POCUS on clinical reasoning and decision making to improve acute patient care. For example, we investigate if POCUS is a reliable tool in diagnosing different fractures, such as clavicle or rib fractures, in order to perhaps save time, costs and radiation in the future, since these fractures can often be treated conservatively. We are also focusing on using POCUS for the reduction of dislocations and for applying nerve blocks in certain patients with pain for example.
Our researchers are part of the Pocus Research In Dutch Emergency Departments (PRIDE) consortium. This is a cooperation agreement between 16 different hospitals in the Netherlands, in which physicians working in the Emergency Department are all certified for and experienced in performing POCUS. By using the PRIDE consortium for our research, we are able to perform our studies multi-center and include many patients.
POCUS is increasingly used by many physicians in clinical decision making. However, the exact value of pocus in clinical reasoning, its diagnostic accuracy, or the most efficient way of training to become proficient are important aspect to adress in research.
POCUS offers a fast, dynamic, and non-invasive method to diagnose and monitor acute illnesses. This aligns with the research line on early diagnosis and effects of early treatment because it can be directly integrated into clinical decision-making and helps in the early recognition and prediction of the course of acute conditions. The use of POCUS in hemodynamic monitoring and fluid resuscitation is essential for the timely and effective treatment of acutely ill patients, leading to improved care pathways and more efficient emergency department care.
The research on POCUS also focuses on optimizing physician training and skills, resulting in better-personalized care. By training physicians in the use of POCUS and integrating this technology into the medical curriculum, diagnostic accuracy and reliability can be enhanced. This enables physicians to develop and apply personalized treatment strategies based on individual patient data and specific clinical questions, such as diagnosing fractures or performing nerve blocks.
POCUS can minimize the long-term impact of acute illnesses by providing timely and accurate diagnoses and initiating appropriate treatments. This research also investigates the effects of POCUS on clinical reasoning and decision-making, contributing to improved patient care and reducing costs and radiation exposure. By evaluating the reliability of POCUS in diagnosing fractures and performing procedures such as dislocation reductions and nerve blocks, the research contributes to better care outcomes and quality of life for patients following acute medical interventions.
