{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in emergency medicine practice: 2022 updates.
{Author}: Goldsmith AJ;Brown J;Duggan NM;Finkelberg T;Jowkar N;Stegeman J;Riscinti M;Nagdev A;Amini R;
{Journal}: Am J Emerg Med
{Volume}: 78
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Apr 12
{Factor}: 4.093
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.12.043
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>In the Emergency Department (ED), ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) have become a cornerstone of multimodal pain regimens. We investigated current national practices of UGNBs across academic medical center EDs, and how these trends have changed over time.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of academic EDs with ultrasound fellowships across the United States. Twenty-item questionnaires exploring UGNB practice patterns, training, and complications were distributed between November 2021-June 2022. Data was manually curated, and descriptive statistics were performed. The survey results were then compared to results from Amini et al. 2016 UGNB survey to identify trends.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The response rate was 80.5% (87 of 108 programs). One hundred percent of responding programs perform UGNB at their institutions, with 29% (95% confidence interval (CI), 20%-39%) performing at least 5 blocks monthly. Forearm UGNB are most commonly performed (96% of programs (95% CI, 93%-100%)). Pain control for fractures is the most common indication (84%; 95% CI, 76%-91%). Eighty-five percent (95% CI, 77%-92%) of programs report at least 80% of UGNB performed are effective. Eighty-five percent (95% CI, 66%-85%) of programs have had no reported complications from UGNB performed by emergency providers at their institution. The remaining 15% (95% CI, 8%-23%) report an average of 1 complication annually.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>All programs participating in our study report performing UGNB in their ED, which is a 16% increase over the last 5 years. UGNB's are currently performed safely and effectively in the ED, however practice improvements can still be made. Creating multi-disciplinary committees at local and national levels can standardize guidelines and practice policies to optimize patient safety and outcomes.