711 - How ER Pediatricians Use of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Relates to HCAHPS Domains of Patient Satisfaction

Publication Number: 3688.711

Dallen Calder, University of Utah School of Medicine, Millcreek, UT, United States; Abi Felsted, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, United States; Serin Springer, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; Matthew Steimle, University of Utah, Farmington, UT, United States; Ben Drum, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

Background: Patient satisfaction has become an increasingly important measure of healthcare quality, influencing hospital performance ratings, quality improvement efforts, and financial incentives. In pediatrics, satisfaction is shaped not only by the patient but also by family members—parents, grandparents, and guardians—who often serve as the primary decision-makers. This dynamic is particularly salient in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), where providers care for acutely ill or injured children and their anxious caregivers.

Objective: This study investigates how the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) by pediatric emergency physicians relates to commonly used domains of patient satisfaction. We hypothesized that families who experience POCUS would report greater satisfaction, perceive improved communication and understanding, and feel that their child received more efficient care.

Design/Methods: A validated ten-question survey assessed caregivers’ perceptions of POCUS across multiple domains, including comfort, communication, perceived efficiency, and overall satisfaction. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. Additional demographic and clinical data (e.g., age, sex, POCUS indication, and impact on hospital course) were obtained from chart review.

Results: Forty-six caregiver responses were analyzed. Over 75% reported a favorable impact (Likert score 4 or 5) of POCUS on their interaction with the provider, overall healthcare experience, and efficiency of care. Specifically, 56.5% “strongly agreed” and 26.1% “agreed” that POCUS improved their interaction with providers; 50.0% “strongly agreed” and 34.8% “agreed” that it improved their overall satisfaction; and 52.2% “strongly agreed” and 26.1% “agreed” that it made care more efficient. Moreover, 65.2% “strongly agreed” they would want POCUS again if their child required emergency care.

Conclusion(s): POCUS use in the pediatric emergency setting was associated with high levels of caregiver satisfaction across multiple domains, including perceived communication, efficiency, and overall experience. These findings suggest that beyond its clinical utility, bedside ultrasound may strengthen the physician-family relationship and enhance the quality of pediatric emergency care. Furthermore, we propose that these findings may be generalizable to other clinical contexts and patient populations, and ongoing studies aim to further evaluate this relationship.

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