Consensus Terminology for Point of Care Ultrasound Studies with Incomplete Documentation and Workflow Elements

Abstract

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) use by emergency physicians has grown in both breadth and depth of clinical use [1-3]. POCUS workflow is different from a traditional imaging-based specialist workflow because a single clinician orders, obtains images, interprets, and reports the exam results. Traditionally, multiple individuals participate in the workflow: the clinician places the order; an ultrasound technologist reconciles order and identifiers and acquires images; lastly an imaging specialist interprets the exam and creates a report. hese contrasting approaches has led to unique challenges in streamlining POCUS workflows and identifying disruptions, errors and potential corrections given the differences from radiology focused workflow and resources.

Keywords

• ultrasonography
• terminology
• definition
• workflow
• consensus
• research