Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Point of Care Ultrasound Scan Among Health Care Professionals in Eastern Uganda: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Health care professionals (HCPs) face diagnostic challenges especially when confronted with undifferentiated critically ill patients at emergency care unit. The need for improvement in diagnostic capabilities is greater in settings with limited clinical, radiological and laboratory capabilities. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been suggested to offer some diagnostic solutions in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using POCUS for diagnosing patients at health facilities in resource-limited settings in Eastern Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study purposively enrolled HCPs in Eastern Uganda. Data were analyzed using the STATA statistical analysis software for univariate analysis and presented using frequency tables and proportions. Results A total of 52 HCPs of various cadres were studied, including 22/52 (42.3%) nurses, 15/52 (28.8%) medical officers, 10/52 (19.2%) clinical officers, 2/52 (3.8%) intern nurses, and 2/52 (3.8%) specialists. Over one half 27/52 (51.9%) had heard of POCUS of whom 9/27 (33.3%) had formal training with 7/27 (25.9%) of them having used POCUS. While 25/27 (92.6%) had witnessed someone performing POCUS diagnostic procedure. The majority of HCPs 41/52 (78.8%) expressed interest in undergoing a training on POCUS, moreover 42/52 (80.8%) thought it was helpful in medical practice. The common barriers on use of POCUS cited were high cost of equipment and training, lack of an ultrasound machine, lack of mentors and time to train learners. Conclusion POCUS use is acceptable among HCPs, but its potential in these settings is dependent on overcoming barriers to its use.