FAMUS - coronavirus update

The management of coronavirus across the globe has highlighted the importance of lung ultrasound in assessing patients and guiding management.

The ultrasound working groups of the Society for Acute Medicine and Intensive Care Society have been working closely to develop resources and aids to help those managing COVID-19 patients. The following documents are guides, and can be used and shared freely. As with all guidelines, they must be used in conjunction with local and national policies, and enhance but do not replace critical thinking.

This area will be updated frequently as new information and resources arrive. In addition, we have launched a national service evaluation project to assess the impact of POCUS on the management of these patients from initial assessment, through to ward and intensive care and subsequently to discharge. If you are interested in taking part, please contact famus@acutemedicine.org.uk. For information and supporting documents regarding the project, please click here.

FUSIC and FAMUS COVID guidance: A joint statement outlining the role of point of care ultrasound in the management of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, including for those without formal accreditation

FUSIC and FAMUS Decontamination guidelines: Decontamination guidance for those undertaking POCUS in cohort areas, or of patients with suspected transmissible infection such as COVID-19

COVID lung ultrasound: Infographic highlighting important ultrasound appearances in COVID-19

COVID lung ultrasound suggested dataset: Suggested dataset of standard images to be acquired during a lung ultrasound in suspected or confirmed COVID-19

NHSX information governance advice: NHSX guidance on information governance during the coronavirus pandemic, including the potential use of messaging apps to share ultrasound images

COVID decision tree-mild COPD: COVID decision tree for patients with pre-existing COPD

COVID decision tree-LVF: COVID decision tree for patients with pre-existing left ventricular failure

COVID decision tree-no PMH: COVID decision tree for patients without previous cardiorespiratory co-morbidity

If there are any queries not covered by this page or guidance, please contact famus@acutemedicine.org.uk