The Use of a Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Device Improves Physical Examination: Results of an In- and Outpatient Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122181
• Publication Date: 2015-03-20T19:37:23Z
• Authors: Agostino Colli; Daniele Prati; Mirella Fraquelli; Sergio Segato; Pier Paolo Vescovi; Fabrizio Colombo; Carlo Balduini; Serena Della Valle; Giovanni Casazza
• Keywords: Concordance; Outpatient clinic

Background The performance of pocket mobile ultrasound devices (PUDs) is comparable with that standard ultrasonography, whereas the accuracy a physical examination often poor requiring further tests to assess diagnostic hypotheses. Adding use PUD could lead an incremental benefit. Aim We assessed whether in context can reduce prescription additional when used by physicians different clinical settings. Methods conducted cohort impact study four hospital medical wards, one gastroenterological outpatient clinic, and 90 general practices same geographical area. involved 135 who PUD, after short predefined training course, examine 1962 consecutive patients 10 hypotheses: ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial urinary retention, stones, gallstones, biliary-duct dilation, splenomegaly, abdominal mass, aortic aneurysm. According physicians' judgment, rule out or hypothesis require testing; concordance final diagnosis was assessed. main outcome proportion cases which were required PUD. submitted testing. Findings included 37% in-patients, 26% gastroenterology outpatients, from practices. Further testing deemed unnecessary 63%. Only 5% negative not referred for classified false negatives respect diagnosis. In undergoing tests, sensitivity 91%, specificity 83%. Conclusions After simple be addition improve answer ten common questions concerning in- need