EFFECTS AND BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASOUND IN EMERGENCY SETTINGS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595282506087

• Palavras-chave: Point-of-Care Ultrasound; Emergency; Decision; Assessment.

• Keywords: Point-of-Care Ultrasound; Emergency; Decision; Assessment.

• Abstract:

  This narrative review analyzes the effects and benefits of implementing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in emergency settings, based on recent scientific evidence. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of POCUS is intrinsically linked to professional training, with studies demonstrating that multimodal teaching methods, continuous supervision, and the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality optimize operator learning and performance. In addition, the validation of portable devices and the application of telemedicine are expanding the reach of POCUS to settings beyond in-person hospital care and remote areas, increasing access to diagnosis. Clinically, POCUS demonstrates high value in optimizing triage and guiding management in specific contexts, such as orthopedic injuries and cardiopulmonary arrest. However, its usefulness varies in conditions such as chest pain investigation and has been shown to add no value in non-targeted approaches, such as acute abdominal pain. It is concluded that the benefits of POCUS in emergencies are maximized when the tool is applied judiciously to respond to specific clinical issues, supported by robust and continuous training, rather than being used as an indiscriminate screening method.