Effects of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Multidisciplinary Medical Wards

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a bedside portable ultrasound technique utilized by healthcare providers to offer rapid and non-invasive diagnostic imaging. POCUS has proven particularly effective in critical care and emergency settings. However, its application in general medical wards, where patients often present with multiple comorbidities, remains under-researched. Additionally, the feasibility of nurse practitioners (NPs) performing POCUS is promising. Despite limited research on POCUS by less experienced operators, NP-conducted POCUS could provide timely, high-quality care, especially in situations with limited physician availability. The routine use of POCUS in patient admissions to medical wards may improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce diagnostic resource utilization, and shorten hospital stays.