Evaluation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Utilisation in Emergency Medicine at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State

Point-of-care ultrasound has transformed emergency medical practice globally by enabling rapid bedside diagnosis of pneumothorax, pericardial effusion, free peritoneal fluid, and deep vein thrombosis in critically ill patients. Its utilisation in emergency medicine units at Nigerian teaching hospitals in conflict-affected zones such as Borno State has not been systematically documented. This study evaluates the extent, appropriateness, and clinical impact of point-of-care ultrasound use in the emergency department at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. A prospective observational design is applied over a four-month period, documenting all emergency department POCUS examinations performed. Variables include indication, scanning protocol employed (FAST, BLUE, eFAST), operator training level, image quality recorded, clinical decision influenced, and time to definitive management. Structured interviews with 25 emergency medicine physicians and residents assess training gaps. Descriptive and chi-square analyses are conducted in SPSS. Available emergency medicine literature from North East Nigeria identifies limited structured POCUS training and the absence of standardised image archiving as principal barriers to POCUS programme development. The ACEP and EFSUMB emergency POCUS consensus guidelines provide the training and quality standards framework. Findings will guide the department in developing a structured POCUS training curriculum and equipment procurement plan. Keywords: point-of-care ultrasound, POCUS, emergency medicine, Maiduguri, Borno State.