Implementing point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) in UK primary care: current and future perspectives

Medical history taking and physical examination are increasingly being complemented by advanced diagnostics including imaging in community healthcare settings. Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is a portable, non-invasive, real-time test performed by the treating clinician to answer focused diagnostic questions or guide common procedures. Integration of PoCUS within the primary care consultation can enhance diagnostic assessment and interventions, improving timeliness of care.1 Despite widespread use in UK hospital services and primary care systems in Europe, America, and Australia, PoCUS is underutilised in UK primary care, where its value, safety, and cost-effective implementation are yet to be realised.2 As the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Ultrasound Special Interest Group (SIG), we present how PoCUS could influence UK primary care in the short- to medium-term. Ultrasound has supported health care since the 1950s. PoCUS, when used appropriately, can reduce primary care referral rates for imaging, specialist opinion, or admission to hospital, with potential for reductions in healthcare costs and carbon footprint.3 In visualising pathology, PoCUS can improve accuracy of diagnosis, reducing need for repeated consultation and treatment,2 while enhancing patients’ understanding, trust, and involvement within the care process.4 Device portability raises the potential to facilitate community-based care for populations experiencing geographical, social, or financial barriers to accessing secondary care, including rural, housebound, homeless, and socioeconomically disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals. The NHS 10-Year Health Plan emphasises moving care from hospitals to the community, digital transformation of services, and improving disease prevention. These aspirations align closely with PoCUS-enabled care, but would require questions around widespread adoption within UK primary care to be addressed,5 including: