Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Emergency Department Triage

Amidst overcrowded emergency departments and prolonged waiting periods, emergency physicians Resa E. Lewiss and Courtney M. Smalley promote the incorporation of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) into triage protocols. Their article, “Why point-of-care ultrasound belongs in emergency department triage,” highlights the advantages of integrating POCUS to enhance patient prioritization and elevate care due to its swift diagnostic abilities.

POCUS is a diagnostic tool enabling emergency physicians to promptly tackle life-threatening situations, such as a pneumothorax or a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, frequently before the patient exits the triage zone. It facilitates a quick, precise evaluation, significantly boosting patient safety and treatment prioritization. As emergency physicians are already highly trained in utilizing POCUS, introducing it into triage does not present major training obstacles and fits smoothly within existing emergency department workflows. Additionally, it is a billable procedure, providing financial incentives for emergency departments to embrace this practice.

The implementation of POCUS in triage can also enhance the efficiency of patient care. By swiftly recognizing critical conditions, patients requiring urgent intervention can be directed to appropriate care areas without delay, minimizing time in waiting rooms and ensuring that the most pressing cases receive immediate focus. Lewiss and Smalley contend that this strategy not only improves the provision of emergency care but also serves as a systemic enhancement by effectively managing patient volumes and potentially alleviating overcrowding in emergency departments.

Hospital leaders and emergency department administrators are urged to consider reconfiguring triage areas and protocols to integrate POCUS efficiently, establishing it as a standard care procedure. This action would improve the capability to swiftly and accurately identify critical conditions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and overall efficiency in emergency departments.

With patient safety as a top priority, the incorporation of POCUS into emergency department triage signifies a major leap toward ensuring prompt, diagnostic clarity and enhancing the overall quality of care provided in high-stress, fast-paced medical settings.