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Review ArticleSystematic ReviewA

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in General Practice: A Systematic Review

Camilla Aakjær Andersen, Sinead Holden, Jonathan Vela, Michael Skovdal Rathleff and Martin Bach Jensen
The Annals of Family Medicine January 2019, 17 (1) 61-69; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2330
Camilla Aakjær Andersen
1Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
MD
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  • For correspondence: caakjaer@dcm.aau.dk
Sinead Holden
1Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
2Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Aalborg East, Denmark
3Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
PhD
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Jonathan Vela
4Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg North, Denmark
MD
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Michael Skovdal Rathleff
1Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
PhD
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Martin Bach Jensen
1Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
MD, PhD
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Abstract

PURPOSE Ultrasound examinations are currently being implemented in general practice. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the training in and use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by general practitioners.

METHODS We followed the Cochrane guidelines for conduct and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting. We searched the databases MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using the key words ultrasonography and general practice in combination and using thesaurus terms. Two reviewers independently screened articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies using an established checklist.

RESULTS We included in our review a total of 51 full-text articles. POCUS was applied for a variety of purposes, with the majority of scans focused on abdominal and obstetric indications. The length of training programs varied from 2 to 320 hours. Competence in some types of focused ultrasound scans could be attained with only few hours of training. Focused POCUS scans were reported to have a higher diagnostic accuracy and be associated with less harm than more comprehensive scans or screening scans. The included studies were of a low quality, however, mainly because of issues with design and reporting.

CONCLUSIONS POCUS has the potential to be an important tool for the general practitioner and may possibly reduce health care costs. Future research should aim to assess the quality of ultrasound scans in broader groups of general practitioners, further explore how these clinicians should be trained, and evaluate the clinical course of patients who undergo scanning by general practitioners.

Key words
  • ultrasonography
  • diagnostic imaging
  • screening
  • general practice
  • point-of-care testing
  • primary care
  • practice-based research
  • Received for publication April 30, 2018.
  • Revision received September 27, 2018.
  • Accepted for publication October 18, 2018.
  • © 2019 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.
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The Annals of Family Medicine: 17 (1)
The Annals of Family Medicine: 17 (1)
Vol. 17, Issue 1
January/February 2019
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Point-of-Care Ultrasound in General Practice: A Systematic Review
Camilla Aakjær Andersen, Sinead Holden, Jonathan Vela, Michael Skovdal Rathleff, Martin Bach Jensen
The Annals of Family Medicine Jan 2019, 17 (1) 61-69; DOI: 10.1370/afm.2330

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Point-of-Care Ultrasound in General Practice: A Systematic Review
Camilla Aakjær Andersen, Sinead Holden, Jonathan Vela, Michael Skovdal Rathleff, Martin Bach Jensen
The Annals of Family Medicine Jan 2019, 17 (1) 61-69; DOI: 10.1370/afm.2330
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