Remote ultrasound examinations: expanding the functions of nursing staff

• Irina A. Pereslegina
• Pavel S. Zubeev
• Vladimir M. Levanov

Abstract

Background. The high informative value of ultrasound examinations as diagnostic methods is well known. They are widely used both for the diagnosis of complex diseases, and in various screening studies, preventive examinations, and medical examinations. Compact ultrasound scanners can be used when conducting visits to remote areas, which increases the availability of medical care. However, the use of ultrasound devices is possible only if the medical team includes a doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, which is often problematic. The way out of the situation may be the transfer of certain functions of the doctor to the average medical staff, which is currently not provided for by regulatory acts.

Material and methods. The method of conducting ultrasound examinations by a nurse under the remote control of a doctor was developed and tested as part of an organizational experiment. Two models were tested: in the first version, the doctor remotely monitored the progress of the study on a monitor and, if necessary, directed the actions of the secondary medical staff. In the second model, the nurse independently visualized images of internal organs, and the doctor evaluated the transmitted information, prepared and forwarded the conclusion. According to these methods, the organs of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space and arteries of the lower extremities were examined.

Results. AH 186 patients who participated in the study were re-examined by a doctor using the usual method to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed models. Timekeeping was carried out with an analysis of the time spent. The proposals for inclusion in the professional standard of the nurse of ultrasound diagnostics are presented.

Keywords:ultrasound diagnostic examination, remote diagnostics, telemedicine, secondary medical personnel, professional standard

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