Introduction:
POCUS is an invaluable tool in elucidating the volume status of patients. The use of POCUS decreases time to diagnosis, increases patient satisfaction, and improves quality of care. As the masters of volume, the mastery of POCUS is essential for the nephrologist. POCUS in nephrology has been growing throughout the country, and now Nephrologists have a duty to become not only masters of POCUS, but to help bring the use of POCUS to other disciplines as well.
Methods:
Since 2021 POCUS has been taught to nephrologist fellows in a biweekly lecture and hands on sessions, leading to a robust use in the fellowship. To increase the use throughout the hospital, nephrology has lead multiple interdisciplinary efforts throughout the hospital. In the nursing field, we have had multiple nephrologist led IV insertion classes, and for the dialysis nurses have led cannulation and assessment workshops for AVF. In Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Cardiology, we have led and are leading accredited courses to increase the use and documentation of billing throughout the hospital. In gastroenterology we have partnered to increase POCUS in research and diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease. We are working with the pulmonology/critical care division to teach POCUS to the residents as well.
Results:
Nurses report increased use of POCUS for IV insertion and assessment, which has decreased the number of IVs inserted by residents, freeing time for other clinical responsibilities. With the increased knowledge of POCUS in all fields, conversations regarding volume and patient assessment has become more fluid. Residents report that the use of POCUS directly improves their day to day rounds and improves their connection with patients.
Conclusions:
Through the use of POCUS on the wards and the many multidisciplinary efforts Nephrology has been recognized as the leader of POCUS in the local community. This helps create a culture of POCUS which helps facilitate patient care throughout. POCUS has now become a focus of recruitment in residents and fellows, and the culture of POCUS continues to grow throughout the hospital.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.