Handheld (point-of-care) ultrasound use in free clinics and street medicine
Point-of-care Ultrasound Utility in the Free Clinic Setting: A Single Site Observational Study of Point of Care Ultrasound Utilization in a Free Clinic of Indianapolis, Indiana
This project will see how often handheld ultrasound is used and whether it changes care for adults receiving medical services from Indianapolis free clinics or the street medicine team.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07556341 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will record details from clinically indicated point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) exams performed during routine visits at an Indianapolis free clinic and on street medicine encounters. They will document the type of ultrasound performed, the findings, and whether the ultrasound led clinicians to change diagnosis or treatment plans. A 30-day follow-up using medical record review or phone/email contact will track clinical outcomes and compare POCUS findings with any formal radiology studies. The study enrolls adults treated by the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic or the street medicine team who consent to data collection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) receiving care from the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic or the street medicine team in Indianapolis who undergo a clinically indicated POCUS exam are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People under 18, those unable to give verbal consent, patients who refuse ultrasound, or individuals receiving care outside the specified Indianapolis clinics are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinics use handheld ultrasound more effectively to speed diagnosis and guide treatment for uninsured or unhoused patients.
How similar studies have performed: POCUS has improved diagnosis and management in emergency and other resource-limited settings, but its systematic use in free clinic and street medicine environments has been less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>18 years old * Presenting to either: street medicine team in Indianapolis, IN OR patients presenting to free clinic in Indianapolis, IN, AND Being treated by the Primary Investigatory AND Meeting one or more of specific indications (see study design) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \<18 years old * Patients unable to provide verbal consent * Patient refusal of ultrasound
Where this trial is running
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Indiana University — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Brenner, MD PhD — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Ian Oechsle, MD
- Email: ioechsle@iu.edu
- Phone: 317-847-9594
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.