Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Home vs Non-home Medical Care Physicians in Japan

Abstract

Objectives

To compare the use of point-of-care ultrasound between physicians providing home medical care and other physicians in Japan.

Design

A cross-sectional comparative study.

Setting and Participants

The participants were members of 3 societies related to home medical care in Japan.

Method

A web-based survey was conducted between April and June 2024 to assess use of point-of-care ultrasound, physicians’ training history and needs in this technique, ultrasound machine availability and types, and barriers and facilitators for wider adoption.

Results

Overall, 692 physicians (461 providing home medical care) participated. There were more point-of-care ultrasound users among those providing home medical care (75.9% vs 67.1%; P = .014). There was no significant difference in training history (34.3% vs 36.4%; P = .587), but training needs were significantly greater among home medical care providers (80.9% vs 66.7%; P < .001). This group also had better access to ultrasound machines (53.6% vs 35.5%; P < .001), with higher personal ownership rates and handheld device usage (29.1% vs 4.8%, P < .001; 59.7% vs 13.2%, P < .001). The main barrier was insufficient training opportunities, especially for home care providers (61.6% vs 51.5%; P = .011), followed by inadequate training environments (46.4% vs 32.9%; P = .001), challenges in image acquisition (59.0% vs 37.2%; P < .001), and interpretation skills (51.4% vs 32.9%; P < .001). Facilitators included improved access to ultrasound machines and increased training opportunities and available mentors, with home care providers significantly emphasizing training opportunities (71.2% vs 62.3%; P = .019).

Conclusions and Implications

Home medical care providers were more likely to use point-of-care ultrasound and have better access to machines; however, they faced barriers related to skills and training opportunities. As handheld devices become prevalent, systematic training in this technique is becoming essential.