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More evidence that point-of-care ultrasound improves care

by Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | January 20, 2025
Ultrasound
Two separate studies highlight different ways that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can improve patient outcomes.

Preliminary results from a study conducted by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) demonstrate that POCUS can significantly reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and associated costs. The findings were presented at the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging’s EchoEuro-Imaging Conference in December 2024.

The study, which utilized handheld Butterfly iQ+ and iQ3 POCUS devices, focused on patients admitted with shortness of breath of unclear origin. Physicians using POCUS were compared with those relying on traditional diagnostic methods. Results showed that POCUS use reduced LOS by an average of more than four days. For lower-acuity patients, LOS dropped from 6.7 to 5.6 days, while higher-acuity patients experienced a more substantial reduction, from 39 to 16.7 days. These improvements also translated into cost savings, with lower-acuity patient care costs reduced by up to 50%.

“This study is an important demonstration that point-of-care ultrasound can serve as a practical tool for stratifying patient acuity, reducing hospital resource utilization, and improving patient flow,” said Dr. Partho Sengupta, principal investigator and chief of cardiovascular medicine at RWJMS and RWJUH. “The preliminary findings support the growing body of evidence advocating for POCUS as an essential component of modern hospital care.”

The daily use of lung ultrasound was particularly impactful for accelerating discharge among lower-acuity patients, highlighting its role in optimizing hospital workflows and patient management.

Dr. John Martin, chief medical officer at Butterfly Network, described the results as evidence of the potential for POCUS to transform care delivery. “The integration of POCUS into hospital workflows is not just about advancing technology but about transforming the patient experience while addressing critical challenges in healthcare systems,” he said.

The full study is expected to be published in the first half of 2025.

Early pregnancy exams
Another study, conducted by the University of Minnesota Medical School, has found that incorporating POCUS into early pregnancy care can significantly enhance patient outcomes while reducing emergency visits.

Published in the Annals of Family Medicine, the research showed an 81% decrease in emergency visits, urgent clinic appointments, and phone inquiries among non-miscarrying patients.

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