Point-of-care ultrasound in the modern era of emergency medicine: a narrative review of the recent literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has transformed emergency medicine by providing a noninvasive, accessible, repeatable, efficient, and cost-effective imaging tool to the bedside. This article is a narrative review of the most impactful POCUS literature over the past 18 months, identifying and highlighting the most common emerging themes. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified five main themes in the recent POCUS literature: ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, POCUS in resuscitation, diagnostic POCUS, technology and artificial intelligence, and POCUS governance and administration. SUMMARY: The recent body of literature strengthens the utility of POCUS in emergency medicine, demonstrating its efficacy, safety, and efficiency across multiple clinical scenarios. The literature continues to expand the scope of POCUS by covering new diagnostic applications and integrating emerging technologies, while continuing to build a robust governance framework. Future research should focus on patient-oriented outcomes, implications of POCUS protocolization and clinical application, and the impact of POCUS at hospital and healthcare systems levels.