A primary care facility sees a broad scope of clinical conditions within a patient population. The general practitioner (GP) seeks to provide a positive patient experience while caring for the maximum number of patients. Due to lower cost, improved technology, and increased portability of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices available, the GP, no matter the size of the practice, will find it easy to incorporate POCUS into their daily routine.

Historically, POCUS was primarily used in obstetric care in primary care facilities. Ultrasound imaging, at the point-of-care, has been found very useful in diagnosing and monitoring many conditions, such as assessing fluid status, limited cardiac and pulmonary evaluations, and ultrasound guided procedures. As an extension of the physical exam, it focuses on answering binary clinical questions and allows the GP to confirm or rule out potential diagnoses off the list. This results in immediate clinical decision-making and reduces any unnecessary delays.

With certain conditions, further testing and the costs associated can be avoided. By reducing the stress of waiting for testing results, the patient experience is improved. Quality assurance and a well laid out program for POCUS usage are needed to optimize patient safety. According to the Patient Safety Network (PSNet), “Used properly, POCUS has vast potential to improve patient safety through efficient and accurate diagnosis and procedural guidance.”

To ensure the success of a POCUS program, clinicians should undergo adequate training and assessment. They should also have access to appropriate resources and oversight. Capturing and documenting images and designating a suitable point person will produce the best outcomes. The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Certification Academy™ programs are designed to assist with POCUS training, to become proficient and capable of providing safe and reasonable care to patients.

With the POCUS Certification Academy’s training programs, a clinician can reliably assess the heart for abnormalities such as left ventricular systolic function, cardiac tamponade, valvular pathologies, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and other heart conditions. A skilled scan of the chest can reveal pneumonia, rib fractures, effusions, and other pulmonary pathology. Disorders in the abdomen, the eye, soft tissue, acute trauma, joint effusions, shoulder dislocation, bone fractures, and more can be easily identified with POCUS.

5 Reasons Primary Care Facilities Should Invest in POCUS Certification

1. A certificate or specialty certification from the POCUS Certification Academy acknowledges that a provider possesses a core body of POCUS knowledge. It represents a commitment to professional and ethical service. Becoming certified validates expertise and credibility. It shows a dedication to lifelong learning through continual growth and professional development.
2. To patients, a POCUS certification documents a level of competency that inspires confidence in the clinician. The POCUS Certification Academy joins American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) and the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement™ (APCA™) in furthering its long-standing mission of raising the global standards of excellence in healthcare and patient safety.
3. Technological innovations in the U.S. have made bedside ultrasound increasingly affordable, easy to use, more portable, and more applications are being recognized for its use. Certified clinicians will be versed in the latest techniques in handheld devices and new technology.
4. The POCUS Certification Academy focuses on educating users of ultrasound and POCUS to ensure a standard of excellence is maintained. The globally recognized MissionPOCUS is an effort to expand and reach under-resourced areas worldwide.
5. Testing is accessible, and it’s easy to apply. Assessments are available 24/7 from any location, using a personal device, and provide immediate results. The content was created by experts in the field and focuses on the core competencies that matter most. Certification is designed to be flexible and is tailored to individual participants’ needs. The POCUS Learning Library has a rich collection of POCUS learning content and is available to all applicants.

Adding POCUS to a primary care facility would allow the facility to meet its goals of providing a streamlined, positive, and safe patient experience. Certifying the clinical staff and physicians is seamless and affordable with minimal disruption to the daily operations. Connect with us for more information on taking the next step.

Remember, investing in POCUS is an investment in furthering patient care and furthering the reach of the safe practice of medicine!