Introduction

The objective of this study was to understand what point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) techniques primary care veterinarians use and their confidence in the technique.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was distributed to veterinarians via social media between 27th May and 10th July 2020. The survey consisted of 21 questions on their use of POCUS, including details of previous training, additional qualifications, chosen protocol, and frequency of use. Respondents’ confidence in thoracic and abdominal POCUS was assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Median [interquartile ranges] Likert scores were calculated. Respondents were also asked what limits their use of POCUS and their preferred method of training.

Results

Two hundred and fifty respondents started the survey, of which 192 completed it (76.8%). Of these, 39.8% (84/211) did no out-of-hours (OOH), 24.1% (51/211) did OOH-only and 36.0% (76/211) did both OOH and non-OOH. The majority of respondents were aware of abdominal and thoracic FAST protocols (96.2% (203/211) and 90.5% (191/211) respectively) and these techniques were the most used. Thirty-three percent of respondents were aware of others, such as Vet BLUE and ABCDE (70/211). Thirty-three percent (69/211) of respondents used their own, non-standardised technique. Eighty-six percent (180/210) only used POCUS when clinically indicated, 12.9% (27/210) used in every emergent case and 1.4% (3/210) never used it. Forty-nine percent (102/210) of respondents were self-taught, 16.7% (35/210) had attended a specific practical training session on POCUS. When assessing confidence in POCUS, the median confidence score was 4/5 [2] for identifying abdominal abnormalities, irrespective of training method. The median confidence score for cardiothoracic abnormalities was 3/5 [3] for those who had received specific practical training, 3/5 [2] for those taught by an experienced colleague, and the remaining methods scored 2/5 [3]. Forty-two percent (89/211) of respondents’ reported lack of confidence prevents them from using POCUS. Ninety percent (189/211) of respondents would prefer further training with live animals if offered.

Conclusions

Although the majority of respondents use POCUS, fewer are confident in both thoracic and abdominal POCUS. Standardised practical training for primary care veterinarians, particularly in thoracic POCUS, would be beneficial. Future studies should explore how best to deliver this training.

Disclosures

No disclosures to report.