Perceptions and Ultrasound Literacy for Sound Volume Management (PULSE)

University Hospital Basel

Status

Not yet enrolling

Conditions

Ultrasound-guided Fluid Management

Venous Congestion Assessment

Volume Responsiveness

ICU Physician Practices

Treatments

Other: Quastionnaire

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07237347

am25Loosen Req-2025-00684;

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU physicians in Switzerland regarding the use of ultrasound for fluid management and evaluation of venous congestion.

Full description

This multicenter survey study aims to explore the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of intensive care unit (ICU) physicians in Switzerland regarding the use of ultrasound for fluid management. The primary objective is to assess participants' knowledge of ultrasound techniques to predict fluid responsiveness and evaluate venous congestion. The study will also compare familiarity with traditional methods (e.g., central venous pressure, IVC-Inferior Vena Cava ultrasound) and newer approaches such as the VEXUS (Venous Excess Ultrasound Score) score or assessment of stroke volume changes during passive leg raise or mini fluid challenges.

Participants will complete an online questionnaire via REDCap, covering demographics, professional background, ultrasound training, knowledge and experience with ultrasound for volume management and venous congestion, as well as institutional factors and suggestions for improvement. The survey will be distributed to physicians working in ICUs at multiple Swiss hospitals, including the University Hospital Basel, Kantonsspital Aarau, Inselspital Bern, Spitalzentrum Biel, and Triemlispital Zürich. Participation is voluntary, and informed consent will be obtained electronically at the start of the questionnaire.

Enrollment

200 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria