Summary
This literature review aims to determine the indications for using ultrasound in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and assess whether its use alters clinical management. The review, covering articles published between January 2000 and December 2010, identifies 58 articles from 32 countries across nine specialties.
Ultrasound is most commonly employed for diagnosing obstetrical conditions and intra-abdominal issues. The results show that clinical management is altered in over 30% of cases. The study concludes that ultrasound is a highly valuable diagnostic tool in LMICs and advocates for its essential use in all district medical facilities.
The potential application of ultrasound in a broader range, including tropical and non-communicable diseases, is suggested, with a call for additional research to explore the impact of task shifting on ultrasound use in LMICs.
