Global survey on point-of-care ultrasound (pocus) use in child surgery
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In brief
In brief
Global survey of 247 respondents from 48 countries reveals ultrasound is critical to pediatric surgical practice, yet only 10% can access emergency imaging within one hour due to lack of trained personnel. Significant training disparities exist between high-income and low-middle-income countries, with 90% of child surgeons expressing interest in formal POCUS training for trauma, intussusception, and procedural guidance.
- 84% of child surgeons request ultrasound daily or multiple times weekly, yet only 10% can access emergency ultrasound within 1 hour.
- Lack of trained personnel is the primary barrier to timely ultrasound access in pediatric surgery globally.
- Child surgeons in high-income countries are significantly more likely to have ultrasound training (83%) versus LMICs (50%).
- POCUS is most commonly used for trauma assessment, intussusception diagnosis, and ultrasound-guided procedures in pediatric surgery.
- 90% of child surgeons would attend formal POCUS training if available, indicating strong demand for structured education programs.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
To undertake a global assessment of existing ultrasound practices, barriers to access, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training pathways, and the perceived clinical utility of POCUS in Child Surgery.
Methods
An electronic survey was disseminated via the GICS (Global Initiative of Children’s Surgery) network. 247 anonymized responses from 48 countries were collated. 71.3% (176/247) worked in child surgery.
Results
Ultrasound was critical to practice with 84% (147/176) of requesting one daily or multiple times per week. Only 10% (17/176) could access emergency ultrasound < 1 h from request. The main barrier was a lack of trained personnel. HIC surgeons were more likely to have ultrasound training (24/29; 82.8%) compared with LMICs (74/147; 50.3%) (p = .001319; CI 95%). Self-perceived POCUS competence was associated with regularity of POCUS use (p < 0.001; CI 95%). Those who already practice POCUS most commonly use it for trauma, intussusception, and ultrasound-guided procedures. Majority (90%; 159/176) of child surgeons would attend formal POCUS training if available.
Conclusions
Ultrasound is critically important in children’s surgery globally, however, many surgeons experience barriers to timely access. There is a strong interest in learning POCUS for relevant pediatric surgical applications. Further research is needed to evaluate the best methods of training, accreditation, and governance.