About the PhD thesis

General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly using point-of-care ultrasound
(POCUS) in their daily clinical routine. Use of focused lung ultrasound
(FLUS) for pneumonia is part of a recently agreed European core curriculum
for frontline physicians in primary care, but there is a lack of knowledge
about FLUS, performed by GPs, for this indication in a general practice patient population.

Through two studies, this dissertation aims to evaluate GPs’ competence in
FLUS following a tailored training programme, describe their findings in
adults with acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) symptoms in whom
the GP suspects pneumonia, and investigate the clinical effect of adding
FLUS to usual care in this patient population, focusing on the effect on antibiotic prescribing.

Collectively, the studies showed that GPs with basic POCUS skills can gain
FLUS competence through tailored training. Pathological findings were reported in about half of patients, most commonly focal multiple B-lines (30–40%). Consolidations were less frequent (14–22%), typically small, and
harder to detect. 

No statistically significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing was found by
adding FLUS to usual care, though a modest effect (<15%) cannot be ruled
out. A significant reduction in reconsultations for the episode of LRTI within
28 days was observed, without compromising patient safety, symptom duration, or severity. 

Overall, the dissertation contributes new knowledge to the use of FLUS in
general practice, and lays foundation for further research within the field.

View the PhD defense online

A reception will be held after the defense. All are welcome.