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Objective Ensuring the availability of ultrasound devices is the initial step in implementing clinical ultrasound (CUS) in emergency services. In France in 2011, 52% of emergency departments (EDs) and only 9% of mobile intensive care stations (MICS) were equipped with ultrasound devices. The main goal of this study was to determine the movement of these rates since 2011. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, multicentre study in the form of a questionnaire. To estimate the numbers of EDs and MICS equipped with at least one ultrasound system with a confidence level of 95% and margin of error of 5%, 170 responding EDs and 145 MICS were required. Each service was solicited three times by secure online questionnaire and then by phone. Results Three hundred and twenty-eight (84%) services responded to the questionnaire: 179 (86%) EDs and 149 (82%) MICS. At least one ultrasound machine was available in 127 (71%, 95% CI [64; 78]) EDs vs. 52% in 2011 ( P < 0.01). 42 (28%, 95% CI [21; 35]) MICS were equipped vs. 9% in 2011 ( P < 0.01). In 97 (76%) EDs and 24 (55%) MICS, less than a half of physicians were trained. CUS was used at least three times a day in 52 (41%) EDs and in 8 (19%) MICS. Conclusion Our study demonstrates improved access to ultrasound devices in French EDs and MICS. Almost three-quarters of EDs and nearly one-third of MICS are now equipped with at least one ultrasound device. However, the rate of physicians trained per service remains insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The utility of bedside ultrasound (US) performed by emergency physicians has been proven for multiple purposes. There are no data about this technique in emergency departments (ED) in France. The primary objective is to determine the availability of ultrasound device (UD) in EDs and in prehospital settings in France. Minor objectives are to determine the number and type of UD, the most current applications of US and the factors correlated with availability of UDs in the setting of emergency medicine. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, multicenter survey from December 2010 to June 2011, including all EDs and prehospital units in France. A questionnaire was sent by e-mail. Non-responders were contacted by telephone with one recall. Results: The response rate was 74% (327/440) for EDs and 73% (278/379) for prehospital units. A UD is available in 52% (171/327) (CI 95% [46; 58]) of EDs and in 9% (25/278) (CI 95% [5; 13]) of prehospital units. Among departments having no access to UDs, 29% of EDs and 12% of prehospital units have plans to implement emergency physician-performed US. The most common US applications are focused assessment with sonography for trauma and pleural exams. Conclusion: Availability of UDs in French public hospital EDs is 52% and 9% in prehospital units. Despite the progressive expansion of the technique over the last years, bedside ultrasonography is not yet completely integrated in the physical examination of the patient in an emergency situation in France. A reassessment will be required to confirm the current trend of expansion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]