The INSIGHT Feasibility Study Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit: A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial

Launched by KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL NHS TRUST · Oct 3, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The INSIGHT Feasibility Study is a clinical trial exploring the use of a quick and simple whole-body ultrasound scan in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This study aims to see if healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists, and advanced critical care practitioners (ACCPs), can effectively use portable ultrasound technology to check on critically ill patients. By training more staff to perform these scans, the goal is to identify health issues sooner, leading to quicker treatment and better outcomes for patients. The study will also look at any challenges or benefits to using these scans regularly in the ICU.

To participate in this trial, patients must be at least 18 years old, critically ill, and expected to stay in the ICU for at least 72 hours. They should also be able to give consent or have someone else provide consent on their behalf. However, patients with certain conditions, such as severe injuries or agitation, may not be eligible. If you or a loved one is in the ICU and meets these criteria, you might be part of this important study that could improve healthcare in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Patient Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients 18 years of age or more
• • 2. Critically ill patient requiring level 2/3 care
• • 3. Provides consent to participate (or consent given by substitute decision maker)
• • 4. Anticipated to be admitted to ICU for at least 72 hours from time of admission
• Patient Exclusion Criteria:
• 1. Injuries that prevent probe positioning:
• • 1. Dressings that restrict the INSIGHT window views
• • 2. Flail chest
• • 3. Other unstable fractures that might prevent scanning
• • 4. Open abdominal/thorax wounds
• • 5. Surgical emphysema
• • 2. Uncontrolled agitation or pain: this will make scanning more challenging and affect image acquisition
• • 3. Clinical instability requiring prioritisation of stabilising or resuscitative care
• • 4. Allergy to ultrasound gel
• • 5. Anticipated withdrawal of care in the next 24 hours
• • Staff Inclusion Criteria
• • i. Nurse, ACCP, physiotherapist, or doctor ii. Completion of an advanced course in ICU nursing, ACCP course, ICU physiotherapy or medicine iii. Working in a participating ICU for a minimum of 6 months before enrolment on training course iv. Competent or undergoing training in the INSIGHT Scan
• • ICU staff exclusion criteria
• • i. Any injuries or musculoskeletal conditions that would be exacerbated by performing ultrasound ii. On rotation or planning on leaving ICU role in 6 or less months