Knowledge and Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals on Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Prehospital Emergency Care in Portugal

TL;DR

Healthcare professionals in Portugal see value in using ultrasound in prehospital care but face challenges like lack of equipment and training.

Contribution

This study provides insights into the current knowledge and barriers to POCUS use among Portuguese prehospital professionals.

Findings

Most respondents acknowledged POCUS benefits but few used it in prehospital care.

Lack of equipment and training were the main barriers to POCUS implementation.

Most POCUS knowledge was acquired through self-funded courses or self-learning.

Abstract

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an innovative and valuable tool in prehospital emergency medicine, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnoses while minimizing the need for invasive procedures. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perspectives of prehospital emergency physicians and nurses in Portugal regarding POCUS and to assess the perceived benefits and barriers to its implementation in prehospital emergency care.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among prehospital emergency physicians and nurses in Portugal between November 2023 and January 2024. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ knowledge of POCUS, its use in both hospital and prehospital settings, and their perceptions of its relevance and feasibility in emergency care.

Results

A total of 110 responses were received. Of these, 105 (95.5%) acknowledged the benefits of POCUS. While 66 (60%) reported having knowledge of POCUS, only five (4.5%) used it in prehospital care. The primary barriers to its use were the lack of equipment and specialized training. Most respondents gained their POCUS knowledge through self-funded courses or self-learning. Nineteen (18.1%) indicated insufficient knowledge for its application. Despite these limitations, 102 (92.7%) considered the inclusion of POCUS in prehospital services to be relevant.

Conclusions

Prehospital physicians and nurses in Portugal recognize the value of POCUS, but its application is hindered by a lack of equipment and structured training. Strategic investments in training programs and portable ultrasound devices are essential to support its broader implementation in prehospital emergency care.

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