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

Abstract

Background: The 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).

Methods: This was a prospective study on a convenience sample of patients who required pelvic ultrasound imaging as part of their emergency department (ED) assessment.

Results: We enrolled a total of 194 patients who were on average 32 years-old. Ninety-eight (51%) patients were pregnant (<20 weeks). Time to completion of RDUS was 66 minutes longer than POCUS (95%CI 60-73, P<0.01). Patients randomized to the RDUS arm experienced a 120 minute longer ED length of stay (LOS) (95%CI 66-173, P<0.01).

Conclusion: In patients who require pelvic ultrasound as part of their diagnostic evaluation, POCUS resulted in a significant decrease in time to ultrasound and ED LOS.

Keywords: Intrauterine pregnancy; Length of stay; Pelvic ultrasound; Point-of-care ultrasound.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare there is no competing interest related to the study, authors, other individuals or organizations.

Figures

Figure 1

Average increase in ED LOS in RDUS arm after controlling for confounders.