CHEST Guidelines-Better-With-Ultrasound

Better-With-Ultrasound_chest

Pdf Summary

The article "Better With Ultrasound," authored by Dr. Scott J. Millington and Dr. Seth Koenig, introduces a new educational series in the medical journal <em>CHEST</em> focusing on point-of-care ultrasonography. Long established as the standard for procedures like central venous catheter insertion and trauma resuscitation, ultrasound is now being utilized in a broader range of medical procedures, including joint aspiration and lumbar puncture, as well as addressing clinical challenges such as mechanical ventilation liberation and unexplained hypotension.

The rise of point-of-care ultrasonography reflects a predictable progression from experimental techniques to well-accepted, mainstream medical procedures. This process, often referred to as the knowledge-to-action cycle, demands tools that are concise and accessible for clinicians, especially for procedural guidance.

The series, starting with "Better with Ultrasound: Pleural Procedures in Critically Ill Patients," aims to provide clear, step-by-step guidance for clinicians on using ultrasound in pleural drainage procedures. Despite existing literature on individual ultrasonographic techniques, the translation of this knowledge into practical, bedside action remains challenging for many healthcare professionals.

Ultrasonography is shown to significantly enhance the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of various medical procedures, including pleural drainage and central venous catheter insertion, among others. The series aims to equip clinicians with necessary skills while bolstering the global critical care ultrasonography community through shared knowledge and dialogue.

Future articles in the series intend to cover additional bedside procedures such as arterial line insertion and lymph node biopsy. The series invites feedback from clinicians on the utility and impact of these articles, particularly concerning unresolved procedural dilemmas and beneficial techniques.

Overall, the series seeks to further integrate ultrasonography into routine clinical practice, enhancing patient care across multiple procedural contexts.

Keywords

point-of-care ultrasonography

medical procedures

pleural drainage

clinical challenges

knowledge-to-action cycle

procedural guidance

ultrasound safety

critical care

bedside procedures

ultrasonography education