Current status and challenges of ultrasonography implementation in home-visit nursing in Japan: A descriptive cross-sectional survey

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the current situation regarding the implementation of ultrasonography in home-visit nursing stations in Japan and to examine the issues involved in its implementation. Methods: A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted via mail to 1,034 home-visit nursing station managers in Japan. Results: In total, 266 managers responded (25.7%). Among them, 7 (2.6%) were using ultrasonography. Of the 259 respondents (97.4%) who were not using ultrasonography, 37 were considering implementation. Ultrasonography is desired in situations such as measuring residual urine, constipation, and ascites. The main barriers to implementing ultrasonography were the high cost of purchasing the equipment, difficulty in interpreting images, difficulty in capturing the images, and the lack of medical reimbursement for the examination. The intention to implement ultrasonography was significantly related to the experience of using ultrasonography before working in home-visit nursing, the experience of learning or training in ultrasonography, and the affiliated facilities. Conclusions: The challenges of implementing ultrasonography at home-visit nursing include the high implementation cost and the need to acquire the necessary skills. Hence, institutional support is needed to reduce the financial burden and to enhance educational programs that reflect the need for ultrasonography use.