Traditional and ultrasound physical examinations: a hybrid approach to improve clinical care

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY Point-of-care ultrasonography, which is performed at the bedside by physicians who are not specialists in imaging, has become possible thanks to recent technological advances that have allowed for a device with greater portability while maintaining image quality. The increasing use of point-of-care ultrasonography in different specialties has made it possible to expand physical examinations, make timely decisions about the patients and allows the performance of safer medical procedures. In this review, three cases from our experience are presented that highlight the use of point-of-care ultrasonography by clinicians. Bedside ultrasonography is a convenient modality used in a clinical setting to aid in early diagnosis of several common conditions. It is suggested that a hybrid approach of physical examination and point-of-care ultrasonography in the everyday clinical practice is an inevitable change of paradigm that is improving quality of care in a variety of clinical settings.