Authors' recommendations: Hand-held ultrasounds may be used for a number of disparate purposes, including ambulatory emergency situations, intensive care units and cardiac assessments. There were no published studies describing the use of the smaller, personal ultrasound devices. It is clear that this is a rapidly developing field and that all studies using the larger, portable ultrasounds reported favourable outcomes with additional diagnostic information added from the use of these devices. It would be prudent to await outcome data from the trial of the NanoMaxx in the Queensland Ambulance Service.There is a clear clinical need for hand-held ultrasound devices especially in emergency situations. It would appear that the technology is advancing rapidly and that many clinicians may choose to use a hand-held device as an adjunct to clinical decision making. It is likely that this technology will diffuse naturally into the Australasian health scene and hospitals and/or clinicians will make individual decisions on whether or not to purchase this device. HealthPACT will assess any feedback from the introduction of these devices into the Queensland Ambulance Service, however in the short-term no further review by HealthPACT on this technology is required.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: Not Available

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: School of Public Health, Mail Drop 545, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA, Tel: +61 8 8313 4617

Contact Name: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Contact Email: ahta@adelaide.edu.au

Copyright: Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (AHTA)