Point-of-care Ultrasound Utility in the Free Clinic Setting: A Single Site Observational Study of Point of Care Ultrasound Utilization in a Free Clinic of Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University
Summary
The goal of this observational study is to learn about the clinical utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in patients receiving care in a free clinic or street medicine setting in Indianapolis. The main question it aims to answer is: How often is POCUS used during patient encounters in a free clinic setting, and how does it influence clinical decision-making? Participants who are receiving care from the street medicine team or the Indiana University School of Medicine Student Outreach Clinic and who undergo a clinically indicated POCUS exam as part of their regular medical care will have information from their ultrasound encounters recorded. Researchers will track the type of ultrasound performed, the findings, and whether the ultrasound changed the patient's medical management. Participants will also have a 30-day follow-up through electronic medical record review or phone/email contact to assess their clinical course and compare POCUS findings with any formal radiology studies if performed.
Description
Street medicine is an emerging model of healthcare that provides health and social services directly to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness (PEH) in their own environments. Rather than requiring patients to come to a traditional clinic or hospital, street medicine practitioners meet individuals where they are-in alleyways, under bridges, in encampments, or other public spaces. Many cities have also incorporated formal brick-and-mortar, low-barrier free clinics to address acute and chronic healthcare concerns of the uninsured and unsheltered individuals of the community. According to…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>18 years old * Presenting to either: street medicine team in Indianapolis, IN OR patients presenting to free clinic in Indianapolis, IN, AND Being treated by the Primary Investigatory AND Meeting one or more of specific indications (see study design) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \<18 years old * Patients unable to provide verbal consent * Patient refusal of ultrasound
Interventions
- Diagnostic TestPoint of care ultrasound
No additional interventions are utilized in the study
Location
- Indiana UniversityIndianapolis, Indiana