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Subject Area

Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Article Type

Review

Abstract

Background Basic ultrasound skills should be part of the staff of critical care. Therefore, the critical care community needs focused sonography for evaluation in real-time clinical decision making. Objective The aim was to highlight the emerging role of ultrasound and the recent updates as a routine diagnostic and procedural tool in the critical care unit. Data sources Medline databases (PubMed and Medscape) were searched, and all materials available on the Internet. The search was performed on April 2022. Study selection The initial search presented 120 articles. The number of studies that met the inclusion criteria was 21. The articles included the principles of ultrasound work, the devices used, and the various uses thereof, whether for evaluation or interventions in diseases of the lungs, heart, blood vessels, abdomen, and nervous system. Data extraction If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Data from each eligible study were independently abstracted in duplicate using a data collection form to capture information on study characteristics, interventions, and quantitative results reported for each outcome of interest. Data synthesis Significant data were collected. Then, a structured review was performed. Findings In total, 21 potentially relevant publications were included. It was found that ultrasound allows the emergency physician to expedite care by decreasing time needed to obtain imaging and speak with consultants or to order additional tests or treatments based on the findings. Conclusion Ultrasound education is established as an essential part of all emergency medicine residencies, as well as some general surgery residencies, and is offered as an accredited fellowship. As physicians graduate from these training programs, the expectations of their ultrasound skills will grow. Bedside ultrasound is increasingly available, and emergency medicine physicians will continue to refine and optimize its use.

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