PoCUS Impact on the Diagnostic Approach for Thoracic and Abdominal Pain in the ED

Launched by CLINIQUES UNIVERSITAIRES SAINT-LUC- UNIVERSITÉ CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN · Feb 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) to help doctors better diagnose patients with thoracic (chest) and abdominal (belly) pain in the emergency department. The goal is to see if using this ultrasound tool improves the way doctors approach diagnosing these types of pain, rather than just focusing on whether it gives a correct diagnosis. The researchers believe that using PoCUS can make a significant difference in how doctors assess patients, potentially improving the diagnostic approach by 60%.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 17 years old and have been experiencing thoracic or abdominal pain for less than 72 hours. They will need to provide consent to take part. Participants can expect that their care will include an ultrasound examination, and their responses will be compared before and after using the ultrasound to see if it helps improve the doctors' diagnostic process. It’s important for potential participants to know that they won’t be eligible if they are pregnant, if an ultrasound cannot be done for some reason, or if they cannot be followed up after one month.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • \> 17 years
• • Thoracic or abdominal pain for less than 72 hours
• • Signed informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Reasons making abdominal ultrasound impossible
• • Discovery of a pregnancy during emergency care
• • Follow-up impossible at one month