A redesigned Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) machine is a far cry from the traditional ultrasound device that would typically occupy a diagnostic suite in any hospital and require a specially trained technician to operate. It’s significantly more compact than POCUS models introduced in years past. They were the size of laptops and could be rolled into a patient’s room, much like an EKG machine.
POCUS is now a hand-held device with a single probe that connects to a smartphone or tablet and can be used in a variety of locations, including at a patient’s bedside. It fits in the lab coat pocket of someone who is on the front lines of medical care—like a licensed physician assistant (PA).
According to Assistant Professor Susan Graff (MS ’12), it has revolutionized patient care.
“I work with critically ill patients at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Often questions arise that a physical exam simply cannot answer,” explains Graff. “Maybe I suspect a blood clot in the patient’s vein, or fluid on the lungs.”
“I don’t have to compromise the patient’s health by waiting for a technician to come, or rely on anyone else for answers,” she continues. “I use a hand-held POCUS to get answers right on the spot. I can then consult with the doctor on call and begin immediate treatment.”
The use of POCUS began in trauma and emergency care settings but has expanded to other specialties ranging from internal medicine to obstetrics.
Although the hand-held devices can be found in some clinical settings, its use is not widespread. Yet.
“Medical schools are beginning to train their students in the use of hand-held POCUS, but it’s not always included in the training of other health care professionals like PAs,” says Mary Allias, assistant professor, Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
“Here at Pitt, we want our PA students to be able to provide cutting-edge care. That’s why we added POCUS training to our curriculum,” she continues.
Graff says POCUS technology was cost-prohibitive in the past. “The size and affordability of today’s model makes it a dream come true for PA educators.”
She notes that by using POCUS in the classroom, students gain a greater understanding of the human body. “PA students have always been taught to use a stethoscope to listen carefully to a patient’s heartbeat,” says Graff. “Imagine having the opportunity to actually watch the heart that creates those sounds.”
Allias and Graff agree that at this time, it’s unclear how the new technology may impact the cost of providing health care services. “Our role as educators is to ensure our students are keeping pace with the latest diagnostic techniques, like POCUS,” says Graff. “We want our students to be armed with this kind of knowledge and experience so they stand out as the most sought-after candidates in their field.”
SHRS Vice Dean and PAS Assistant Professor David Beck states, “By embracing this technology, we are preparing our graduates to work at the top of their licenses in ways that only a few PAs can.”
“This training makes our graduates more competitive in the marketplace,” adds Allias. “But more importantly, it allows them to provide a higher level of care to their patients.”
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This article was featured in the Spring 2020 edition of FACETS.
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Republished June 7, 2023