Effects of position and operator on high-frequency ultrasound scan quality

• Published in: Intensive & critical care nursing 2015-06, Vol.31 (3), p.148-154
• Main Authors: Burk, Ruth S., Parker, Angela, Sievers, Lisa, Rooney, Melissa B., Pepperl, Anathea, Schubert, Christine M., Grap, Mary Jo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Clinical Competence; Evaluation; Female; High frequency ultrasound; Hispanic Americans; Hospital costs; Humans; Male; Medicare; Middle Aged; Mortality; Nursing; Nursing Assessment; Patients; Position; Posture; Pressure Ulcer - diagnostic imaging; Pressure Ulcer - nursing; Pressure ulcers; Prone Position; Sacrococcygeal Region; Skin; Skin integrity; Technology; Ultrasonography - methods; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0964-3397; 1532-4036
• DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2014.11.001

High-frequency ultrasound may evaluate those at risk for pressure ulcers. Images may be obtained by clinicians with limited training. The prone position is recommended for obtaining sacral scans but may not be feasible in the critically ill. This study investigated image quality using multiple operators and a variety of patient positions. Sacral scans were performed in three randomised positions in 50 volunteers by three different investigators using a 20MHz ultrasound system. General linear models and ANOVA random effects models were used to examine the effects of operator and position on image quality rating, and measures of dermal thickness and dermal density. The best scan for each position and operator was used for analysis (n=447 images). Image rating varied by operator (p=0.0004), although mean ratings were 3.5 or above for all operators. Dermal thickness was less for the prone position than in 90° or 60° side-lying positions (p=0.0137, p=0.0003). Dermal density was lower for the prone position than for the 90° or 60° positions (p