Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Free Clinic Patients
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to assess the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for patients at free clinics or in street medicine in Indianapolis. Researchers seek to determine how frequently POCUS is used and whether it influences doctors' decisions about patient care. Individuals receiving care from the street medicine team or the Indiana University School of Medicine Student Outreach Clinic, who undergo a POCUS exam as part of their usual care, are eligible. The trial will record participants' ultrasound results and track any changes in their treatment plans. A follow-up will compare POCUS findings with other imaging tests. As an unphased trial, this study offers an opportunity to contribute to valuable research that could enhance care for underserved communities.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Since this is an observational study, it's likely you can continue your usual medications, but please confirm with the study team.
What prior data suggests that point-of-care ultrasound is safe for patients?
Research has shown that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is generally safe. This type of ultrasound resembles the one doctors use to monitor babies during pregnancy. It doesn't involve radiation, making it safer than some other imaging methods.
One study found that POCUS improved patient care in about 33% of cases with concerns. However, some safety issues require attention. Incorrect use of POCUS could lead to a wrong diagnosis or delay in treatment. Over-reliance on POCUS might also result in missing other important tests.
Overall, POCUS is a valuable tool that can enhance patient care when used correctly. Proper training for the user is essential to avoid mistakes.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about point-of-care ultrasound because it offers a quick, non-invasive way to assess patients directly at free clinics. Unlike traditional imaging methods that require patients to travel to different locations or wait for results, point-of-care ultrasound can be performed on-site, providing immediate insights that can speed up diagnosis and treatment decisions. This approach could make healthcare more accessible and efficient, especially for those who might face barriers in accessing comprehensive medical services.
What evidence suggests that point-of-care ultrasound is effective for clinical decision-making in free clinic settings?
Studies have shown that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), which participants in this trial will receive, can greatly improve patient care. Research indicates that POCUS changes the diagnosis for 15% to 52% of patients and alters treatment plans for 17% to 87%. Patients receiving POCUS are more likely to receive the correct treatment compared to those who do not. This tool is also highly accurate, with about 98.7% accuracy in diagnosing conditions like pleural effusion, a fluid buildup around the lungs. Overall, POCUS helps patients spend less time in the hospital and increases their satisfaction with care.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Daniel Brenner, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
Indiana University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This study is for adults over 18 who are receiving care from the street medicine team or a free clinic in Indianapolis and need an ultrasound as part of their regular medical care.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
POCUS Examination
Participants undergo point-of-care ultrasound exams based on clinical indications
Follow-up
Participants have a 30-day follow-up through electronic medical record review or phone/email contact to assess their clinical course
Data Analysis and Comparison
Comparison of POCUS findings with formal radiology studies and analysis of ultrasound utilization
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Point of care ultrasound
Trial Overview
The study observes how often point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) are used during patient visits at free clinics, what types are performed, and if they change doctors' decisions. It follows patients for 30 days to see how POCUS findings compare with other tests.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Eligible participants will have point-of-care ultrasound performed
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS): Assessing patient ... - PMC
The results indicated that POCUS improves patients' satisfaction with their hospital providers and care overall, as well as perceived care ...
Effect of Point-of-Care Ultrasound on Clinical Outcomes in ...
Estimates for change in diagnosis as a result of POCUS ranged from 15% to 52%, and those for change in management, from 17% to 87%. Articles on POCUS clinical ...
Point-of-care ultrasound improves clinical outcomes in ... - PMC
Patients in the PoCUS group showed significantly higher odds of receiving appropriate therapy compared to controls (odds ratio [OR], 2.31; 95% ...
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) – An innovative ...
Studies have shown that patients who underwent Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) spent fewer days in the hospital, benefitting both the patient.
Impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Medical Decision ...
This study describes POCUS scans performed by US IM residents rotating in LMICs to provide recommendations for curriculum development.
Point-of-care Ultrasound in Morbidity and Mortality Cases in ...
In our study, the use of POCUS could potentially have positively impacted 33% of departmental M&M cases in which there were concerns about patient care. POCUS ...
Adoption of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Is Outpacing ...
Patient safety concerns include POCUS not being used when warranted, misdiagnoses, inappropriate use of the modality, and overreliance on POCUS ...
Impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency ... - PMC
POCUS use prior to interventions appears to be associated with care delays and increased in-hospital mortality compared to critically ill patients with no ...
9.
psnet.ahrq.gov
psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/ultrasound-looked-fine-point-care-ultrasound-and-patient-safety"The Ultrasound Looked Fine": Point-of-Care Ultrasound and ...
After an emergency department (ED) physician interpreted results of a point-of-care ultrasound as showing stable low ejection fraction, some volume overload ...
Portable Point of Care Ultrasound (PPOCUS)
Portable Point of Care Ultrasound (PPOCUS): An Emerging Technology for Improving Patient Safety ... ultrasound may impact patient outcomes ...
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.