Point-of-care ultrasound versus radiology department pelvic ultrasound on emergency department length of stay

Author(s): Wilson, Sean P; Connolly, Kiah; Lahham, Shadi; Subeh, Mohammad; Fischetti, Chanel; Chiem, Alan; Aspen, Ariel; Anderson, Craig; Fox, John C | Abstract: BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the time to overall length of stay (LOS) for patients who underwent point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) versus radiology department ultrasound (RDUS).MethodsThis was a prospective study on a convenience sample of patients who required pelvic ultrasound imaging as part of their emergency department (ED) assessment.ResultsWe enrolled a total of 194 patients who were on average 32 years-old. Ninety-eight (51%) patients were pregnant (l20 weeks). Time to completion of RDUS was 66 minutes longer than POCUS (95%CI 60-73, Pl0.01). Patients randomized to the RDUS arm experienced a 120 minute longer ED length of stay (LOS) (95%CI 66-173, Pl0.01).ConclusionIn patients who require pelvic ultrasound as part of their diagnostic evaluation, POCUS resulted in a significant decrease in time to ultrasound and ED LOS.