Exploring the Use of Point of Care Ultrasound by General Practitioners in France

How Point-of-care Ultrasound Affects the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Process in General Practice. A Prospective Follow-up Study in France

Observational Sorbonne University · NCT04583670

This study looks at how family doctors in France use Point of Care Ultrasound in their practice to see how it helps with diagnosing and treating patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSorbonne University Academic / other
Locations17 sites (Anglet and 16 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04583670 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how general practitioners (GPs) in France utilize Point of Care Ultrasound (POC-US) in their practice over a one-month period. GPs will document their use of POC-US, including indications, organs scanned, findings, and the impact on diagnostic and therapeutic processes. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of POC-US usage in general medicine, addressing the lack of current guidelines and recommendations in France. This research is part of a broader European initiative to understand the role of POC-US in primary care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are general practitioners in France who regularly use POC-US in their clinical practice.

Not a fit: Patients who do not receive care from general practitioners utilizing POC-US may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the diagnostic accuracy and treatment pathways for patients in general practice.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been few recent studies on POC-US in general practice, this study aims to fill a gap in the literature and is part of an ongoing international effort, suggesting a potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* minimum use of POCUS on two anatomical areas
* GP activity for minimum two days / week
* A minimum of two scanning probes
* Previous participation in formal education in the use of POC-US
* Minimum six-month experience with POCUS in general practice.
* Estimated use of POCUS on a daily basis (average)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Conflict of interest, e.g. if the GP is part of the research group or if the GP has/had direct financial interest in selling ultrasound devices.
* If less than five patients have been enrolled

Where this trial is running

Anglet and 16 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Point of Care Ultrasoundultrasoundprimary carediagnosticgeneral practicephysical examinationfamily medicine
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.