Workflow and Framework for Collecting and Implementing Point-of-Care Ultrasound Data in the Management of Heart Failure Patients.

ABSTRACT

Management and prevention of acute decompensated heart failure remain highly prevalent and challenging medical conditions. Incorporation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as an adjunctive tool for assessing volume status and treatment response has shown significant promise. POCUS can be used for imaging internal anatomic structures serially and capturing these images for comparison and measurement over time. This protocol describes a scalable and standardized methodology for the serial assessment of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The methodology includes serial image collection, measurement, and presentation in the electronic medical record. A workflow for POCUS-acquired images of the IVC was created to capture the images and measure the diameter in a discrete data field for direct comparison over time and in response to clinical management. The protocol also includes the assessment of the presence or absence of pleural effusion as discrete data in the standardized workflow. By integrating POCUS into heart failure management, clinicians can improve patient outcomes through more precise and timely adjustments in treatment.