Table 4.
Examples of curriculum components, their clinical utility and limitations/exclusions
| Example curriculum component | Specifics of clinical-and sonographic-ScoP | Clinical utility | Limitations Example of specific exclusion (s) from ScoP and Generic exclusions from ScoP* |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAST exam | Patient presentation of trauma and/or hypotension of unclear etiology Identification of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) or abdominal organs (hemoperitoneum) after trauma | Informs clinical triage and (where appropriate) expedites surgical management; potentially improve morbidity/mortality rates | Does not exclude abdominal or thoracic injury Liver cysts All noncritical elements of foetal imaging; this includes any purposeful imaging of foetal genitals or reporting on gender identity |
| Lung ultrasound | Patient presentation of dyspnea, pulmonary edema, lower respiratory tract infections, etc. Identification of pneumothorax, pleural effusion, assessment for B lines, etc. | Combine with clinical signs to inform differential diagnosis and targeted management | Does not exclude pneumothorax or pleural effusion Lung masses or nodules All noncritical elements of foetal imaging; this includes any purposeful imaging of foetal genitals or reporting on gender identity |
| Image guided interventions | Central line or arterial line placement Nerve blocks Paracentesis Thoracentesis | Reduced risk of iatrogenic harm, e.g., local bleeding, infection, exposure of nontarget tissues to cytotoxin, etc. | Cannot be relied upon to sonographically exclude precautions or contraindications to procedure Incidental findings in imaged area, e.g., arterial issues when performing central line insertion; enlarged lymph nodes; solid organ abnormalities or masses All noncritical elements of foetal imaging; this includes any purposeful imaging of foetal genitals or reporting on gender identity |
*Generic exclusions from ScoP relate specifically to the PCPNDT act in India. ScoP: Scope of practice, PCPNDT: Preconception and prenatal diagnostic techniques, FAST: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma