J Am Coll Radiol. 2023 Nov 18:S1546-1440(23)00941-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2023.10.026. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is rapidly accelerating in adoption and applications outside of the traditional realm of diagnostic radiology departments. While utilization of this imaging technology in a distributed fashion has great potential, there are many associated challenges. To address these challenges, we developed an enterprise-wide POCUS program at our institution (Stanford Health Care). Here, we share our experience, the governance organization, our approach to device and information security, training, and quality assurance. We also share our basic principles we use to guide our approach to manage these challenges. Through our work, we have learned that a foundational framework of defining POCUS, the different levels of POCUS use, and delineating program management elements are critical. We hope our experience may be helpful to others who are also interested in POCUS or in the process of creating a POCUS program in their institution. With a clearly established framework, patient safety and quality of care are improved for everyone.
PMID:37984768 | DOI:10.1016/j.jacr.2023.10.026