Pocket Ultrasound Technology Shortens Hospital Stays for Patients with Breathing Difficulties, Study Reveals

Recent research conducted by Rutgers University and RWJBarnabas Health highlights the significant benefits of using portable ultrasound devices in managing patients admitted with shortness of breath. Traditionally, clinicians rely on stethoscopes for initial assessments; however, findings published in MA Network Open suggest that bedside ultrasounds can provide more accurate and immediate diagnostic information.

The study involved 208 patients at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, with roughly half undergoing diagnosis through compact ultrasound devices connected to smartphones, while the rest received standard care. Results demonstrated that early ultrasound assessments reduced the average hospital stay from nearly 12 days to just over 8 days, saving approximately 246 bed-days and about $751,000 in direct healthcare costs. Importantly, there was no increase in 30-day readmission rates between the two groups.

The research team emphasized that ultrasound offers concrete insights, such as detecting lung fluid, cardiac failure, or vascular issues, enabling clinicians to tailor treatments more swiftly. The exams focused on a few key cardiac and lung views, designed to be quick and efficient, typically completed within 10 to 15 minutes.

Despite the advantages, many hospitalists preferred to have sonographers perform the scans and cardiologists interpret the results, citing time constraints and workflow challenges. Senior author Partho Sengupta noted that integrating ultrasound into routine practice requires overcoming logistical barriers but can be highly beneficial when adopted within a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.

The study underscores the potential of point-of-care ultrasound to enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce hospital length of stay, and lower healthcare costs. As further studies expand on these findings across multiple centers, the adoption of pocket-sized ultrasound technology could become a standard component in managing acute respiratory cases, providing quicker, more precise treatment decisions.

For more detailed information, see the full study in MA Network Open.