The group defined program elements that would drive the highest quality for start-up ultrasound programs, as well as decrease the variability in programs that were already in operation. HCA did not expect that all emergency physician groups will utilize bedside ultrasound. But for those that did, HCA supplied a full array of tools, information, and an implementation plan to put a program into effect.

If HCA recommendations are followed, historical barriers to program development could be avoided, said Dr. Hoffenberg. Additionally, groups and hospitals desiring emergency ultrasound will not have to recreate processes on a facility-by-facility basis.

The toolkit was completed in January, along with a plan to introduce the work-product with:

• A printed document compendium.
• A Web-based plan for program implementation that includes tasks, responsible parties, timetables, and necessary resources, all linked to the compendium.
• An archived Webcast.
• A Powerpoint for institutional presentations regarding clinical ultrasound use.

Topics specifically addressed in the toolkit include: program goals, quality management, scope of practice, training and proficiency, emergency ultrasound director, delineation of privileges, professional practice evaluation, equipment selection, equipment maintenance and cleaning, coding and documentation, financial impact, and ACEP resource documents.

“Although most are familiar with the benefits of emergency ultrasound, it is an enormous help to not only have the endorsement of HCA but also their direct assistance with promoting this technology in their emergency departments,” said Dr. Jason Gukhool, an emergency physician from Houston, Texas and member of the task force.

“As emergency ultrasound is gaining interest among practicing emergency physicians and new graduates are coming out with ultrasound training integrated into their practice, we have seen a dramatic increase in the demand to offer these services in our emergency departments,” he said.

Dr. Gukhool added that HCA’s emergency ultrasound initiative will provide hundreds of emergency physicians with the tools and support to provide this lifesaving technology to the patients they serve.

Other ACEP members involved in the effort included Dr. Carl Menckhoff, Dr. Kayur Patel, Dr. Michael Liao,

Dr. Catherine Erickson, Dr. Jonathan Theoret, and Dr. Geoff Sanz. Suzanne Stone-Griffith, R.N., M.S.N., AVP Quality at HCA, was the principal quality and process expert for the project.

ACEP Members in the News

Dr. Kaedrea Jackson, an emergency medicine resident at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and Dr. Nathaniel Schlicher, an emergency physician from Gig Harbor, Washington, received 2010 Leadership Awards from the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation. These awards were granted to just six residents and fellows, and four early career physicians nationwide.