CompletedNot Applicable

Point-of-care Ultrasound in Finland

Finland220 participantsStarted 2017-10-20

Plain-language summary

This study has two aims. 1. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common suspected medical condition. If it cannot be excluded clinically and using D-dimer, ultrasound examination is required. An option for traditional radiologist-performed ultrasound is a 2-point compression ultrasound (2-CUS). The safety of this technique is proven. However there does not exist any data on costs comparing traditional and 2-CUS pathways in primary health care. This study will evaluate the total cost of both pathways by conducting a cost-minimization analysis. It will also study the effect of a simple ultrasound education on the referrals to hospital due to suspected DVT. Hypothesis 1: Short education in ultrasound will reduce significantly referrals to hospital and save resources. 2. Length of stay (LOS) in emergency department (ED) is related to increased mortality, morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and probably patient satisfaction. LOS of patients with a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by an emergency physician (EP) will be compared to those that have a radiology performed ultrasound examination. Further examination and accuracy of POCUS will be noted. Hypothesis 2: POCUS can shorten LOS significantly in selected clinical conditions

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Emergency department patient * A suspected medical condition, that can be confirmed or excluded by basic POCUS exam, including: free fluid in pleura, pericardium or intraperitoneal space, abdominal aorta aneurysm, gallbladder stones, urine retention, deep venous thrombosis in lower limb, pneumothorax, early pregnancy with non-specified location (confirming intrauterine pregnancy), hydronephrosis. * Emergency medicine specialist or resident decides to perform a POCUS exam Exclusion Criteria: * age under 18 * not able to give informed consent in Finnish

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Length of stay in emergency department

Timeframe: Duration of a single emergency department visit. Up to 48 hours.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03327688

SponsorOssi Hannula

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Deep Vein Thrombosis trials