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Barriers and Facilitators to Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use in Rural Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Annie C. Arnold

    (College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Richard Fleet

    (Family and Emergency Medicine, Universite Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V0A6, Canada)

  • David Lim

    (College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
    Translational Health Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia)

Abstract

This study explores the barriers and facilitators to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use and adoption in rural healthcare since POCUS is a useful resource for rural clinicians to overcome the challenges associated with limited on-site clinical support, such as limited diagnostic imaging services and infrastructure. A qualitative descriptive study was employed, interviews with ten rural clinicians were conducted, and the data were analysed using the Walt and Gilson health policy framework to guide interpretation. Barriers include a lack of standardised training requirements, the cost of the devices and challenges recouping the costs of purchase and training, difficulty with the maintenance of skills, and a lack of an effective method to achieve quality assurance. Coupling POCUS with telemedicine could address the issues of the maintenance of skills and quality assurance to facilitate increased POCUS use, leading to positive patient safety and social and economic implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Annie C. Arnold & Richard Fleet & David Lim, 2023. "Barriers and Facilitators to Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use in Rural Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-9, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:10:p:5821-:d:1146765
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sinead Turner & Vivian Isaac & David Lim, 2023. "A Qualitative Study of Rural and Remote Australian General Practitioners’ Involvement in High-Acuity Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-10, March.
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