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. 2022 Jan 11;64(1):e1-e4.
doi: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5410.

Opinion: The use of point-of-care sonography in primary care: An ethical perspective

Shane D Murphy  1
Affiliations

Opinion: The use of point-of-care sonography in primary care: An ethical perspective

Shane D Murphy. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). .

Abstract

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is fast becoming a global standard of care. World over, training programmes are embracing the use of PoCUS to improve patient care, reduce risks to patients and reduce the burden of unnecessary referrals and investigations. The South African setting is particularly amenable to the benefits of this diagnostic modality to improve healthcare delivery to rural and marginalised populations. However, as with any technological advancements, the use of PoCUS is also not immune to deleterious consequences and patient harm from overdependence and over-zealous uptake. Family physicians, as the champions of primary care, should take the lead to ensure the effective and proper use of PoCUS in rural and primary care settings through advocacy, training and accreditation of clinicians to safely harness the benefits of PoCUS and minimise harm.

Keywords: capacity-building; education; healthcare delivery; point of care ultrasound; primary care.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author is a PoCUS instructor for the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa and is affiliated with the Butterfly Global Health Initiative.

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