Focused Lung Ultrasound: A Prospective Cohort Study in General Practice

Focused Lung Ultrasound: A Prospective Cohort Study in General Practice

This is a prospective cohort study that describes focused lung ultrasound (FLUS) findings in patients presenting with symptoms of an acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in general practice in Denmark.

Ten general practitioners (GPs) will perform FLUS in addition to their usual care of adults presenting with symptoms of an acute LRTI where the GP suspects a community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Eligible patients will consecutively be invited to participate during a two months' study period until each GP has included a total of ten patients. The GPs will register information about patients including age, gender, symptoms, clinical findings, results of any point-of-care test performed, if antibiotic treatment was prescribed and they will register information on FLUS performance and findings.

Inclusion Criteria (GPs):

GPs who use PoCUS (Point-of-Care Ultrasound) at least once a week in general practice or out-of-hour services.

Inclusion Criteria (Patients):

Patients aged ≥ 18 years with acute cough (< 28 days) and at least one other symptom of an acute LRTI and where the GP suspects CAP.

Exclusion Criteria (Patients):

• Previous antibiotic prescription for the current episode of acute LRTI.
• Patients not listed with the GP (no medical record available).
• The patient is not capable of understanding and signing informed consent.
• The patient does not wish to participate in the study.