Barriers to Point-of-Care Ultrasound use in Nurse Anesthesiologists: A Preliminary Survey

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is an emerging modality that certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) may consider using to augment a traditional physical assessment. The prevalence of POCUS usage by CRNAs and the barriers to its use are unknown. A quantitative survey was sent to 2,648 CRNAs throughout the United States. Of the participants surveyed, 11.9% reported personally performing POCUS, and 90.5% thought POCUS was beneficial to nurse anesthesiology practice. The survey found that the greatest barrier to using POCUS is a need for more education or POCUS training. Respondents identified several barriers, such as lack of facility support, lack of ultrasound equipment, and a lack of perceived need to implement POCUS in clinical practice. Most CRNAs who overcame barriers and currently utilize POCUS in their practice have reported having in-person didactic and hands-on training.