Primary care point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) special interest group

A woman with short hair converses with a health professional in a white clinic, holding one hand to her chest.

Our aim

We are a rapidly expanding group of NHS GPs with a special interest in using point of care ultrasound aimed at augmenting the everyday consultation in primary care. The vast improvement, miniaturisation and cost reductions of ultrasound devices now provide GPs with the opportunity to appraise this medical device for the benefit of our patients.

Group outputs

  • Collaborate and network with other members who are interested in the primary care point of care ultrasound, to create a sense of community and belonging. The SIG will allow members to discuss common issues facing the community.
  • Advocate and influence, to work closely with key stakeholders to set policy, safeguards and best practice around PoCUS use in the community.
  • Professional development and Education. To organise work-shops, seminars and training sessions to help new members discover the benefits of PoCUS or deepen understanding.
  • To publish UK based research in relation to PoCUS. Some of the key areas of research needed are to appraise how handheld ultrasound can be used to improve patient outcomes and pathways. What scans are best suited to UK primary practice. Health economic studies / service evaluations to prove PoCUS in primary care can save money, reduce morbidity whilst not increasing GP workload. In time we hope to influence major guidelines.
  • To set policy and direction of travel in conjunction with the RCGP to address the needs of community. The effectiveness of PoCUS is greater when used in remote areas, in vulnerable groups and in marginalised populations. PoCUS also aligns closely with current government policy to move from analogue to digital, from sickness to prevention, to embrace technology and to move resources from secondary care to primary care.

Group members

  • Dr Lee Pursglove - Salaried GP, PoCUS educator, Bedlington, England
  • Dr Sawan Patel - Principal GP, GP Trainer, PoCUS educator, Birmingham, England
  • Dr Aaron Poppleton - Salaried GP, GP Trainer, Clinical Academic, Blackburn, England
  • Dr Ibrahim Elnaggar - Salaried GP, Oxford, England
  • Dr Andrew Walden - Acute medicine and intensive care, Reading, England
  • Dr Pascual Daza-Ramirez - GP Principal, GP Trainer, PoCUS Educator, Cornwall, England
  • Dr Oliver Prescott - GP and deputy community sub-dean University of Exeter Medical School

Contact us

If you are interested in joining the PoCUS special interest group or would like more information, please contact us and we will connect you with the appropriate person.