We have excellent research infrastructure at both sites, with access to research assistants, biostatisticians, and some of the best minds in emergency medicine research. Also, UCLA has a NIH-funded clinical translational science institute (CTSI) that offers access to further research and methodological support. Our ultrasound group believes in team-based, multidisciplinary research. We include medical students and residents on our research projects. Currently we have active projects in the following areas: POCUS Integrated Observation Study of patients with COVID-19 (PIOS COVID)  We are starting a multi-center observational study involving POCUS on patients admitted with COVID-19. Our main aim is to show that serial POCUS assessments can detect complications of C19, such as development of ARDS, alveolar de-recruitment, and myocarditis, earlier than standard clinical assessment. This earlier detection may lead to improved patient outcomes, as the diagnosis of these complications will be earlier in progression and thus interventions may be more effective and specifically tailored to affected regions and organ systems. Patient-performed lung ultrasound in a home monitoring model for congestive heart failure  This pilot study recruited patients with CHF to perform a four-point lung ultrasound study after a brief training. The main aim is that this valuable information can be incorporated into a tele monitoring model for patients with CHF. Evidence of increased pulmonary edema may lead to increased intervention from the care management team and increased titration of home medications. As a result, patients may avoid further decompensation, leading to fewer visits to the emergency department and hospital admissions. We are in the manuscript submission phase as of August 2020, so look for its publication in the upcoming months! Advanced Echocardiography in Risk Stratification of Chest Pain Video on the use of TDI to Risk Stratify Patients Presenting with Chest Pain  Katie Durant (DGSOM, Class of 2020) presenting the original TDI project at SAEM 2019. Acute Heart Failure Ultrasound Protocol Alan Chiem presents this topic at SAEM 2019:  3D Printed Hip Arthrocentesis Model Hip arthrocentesis using POCUS and featuring our 3D model.  Effect of Sonographic Criteria of Biliary Disease and Patient Outcomes Biliary ultrasonography provides a snapshot during the progression of biliary colic, in which findings such as a positive sonographic Murphy, wall thickening, and/or pericholecystic fluid, may resolve hours after initial onset. While many know of the risk factors for cholelithiasis (the “4F’s”), these are not the same risk factors for gangrenous cholecystitis, perforation, and sepsis. We seek to find patient, lab, and sonographic risk factors that are associated with poor outcomes, as well as a risk prediction tool that can identify low-risk patients who can benefit from outpatient management and elective cholecystectomy. Our study of over 250 patients has been accepted to the ACEP Annual Assembly 2016 for presentation.  Ultrasound in Undergraduate Medical Education We are integrating ultrasound education into all four years of the UCLA medical school curriculum. With this comes multiple ways to assess innovative methods and technologies, including the use of peer instruction, simulation, FOAM, and other adjunct methods like QStream's spaced education concept and UCLA-developed perceptual adaptive learning modules (PALMs). We also are working with ACEP to develop Entrustable Professional Activities (EPA) for POCUS.    Amir Tabibnia on PubMed |
 |
|
|
|