Point-of-Care Ultrasound and Critical Care Ultrasound use Among Providers in Neurocritical Units: A National Survey

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)/critical care ultrasound (CCU) use in medical and surgical intensive care units has surged over the last few decades. It is unclear if this has similarly translated in neurocritical care (NCC) units. We designed a survey to describe the current state of POCUS/CCU use and training among NCC providers.

An online 13-question survey was distributed nationally through newsletters and social media after endorsement by the Neurocritical Care Society. Participation was voluntary, and responses were anonymous. The survey queried respondent demographics, training, clinical use, confidence in POCUS/CCU, and barriers to POCUS/CCU use.

Overall, 119 NCC providers responded to the survey. Most respondents were attending neurointensivists (52.1%) and had completed neurology residency training (62.2%). Approximately 23% of respondents did not have training in POCUS/CCU, and 71% of respondents had not completed POCUS/CCU board-certified training. Fifty-five percent of respondents used POCUS/CCU in their practice frequently, and 37% used it rarely on a weekly basis. Thirty-six percent and 42% of respondents felt moderately skilled at acquiring and interpreting POCUS/CCU images, respectively. Ultrasound guidance for procedures was the most common technique used by respondents. Most respondents felt that using ultrasound for volume status, procedural guidance, and evaluation of shock influenced clinical decision-making. Lack of confidence in interpreting data/imaging and comfort in performing POCUS/CCU were the most common barriers to ultrasound use. Respondents agreed with incorporation of POCUS/CCU training in NCC fellowship milestones and creating resources for credentialing providers in POCUS/CCU to increase use of POCUS/CCU in NCC.

This national survey indicated that POCUS/CCU is moderately used among NCC providers. However, more formalized and robust training in POCUS/CCU is needed for trainees and practitioners in NCC to enhance comfortability with using ultrasound for clinical assessments.