The use of echocardiography by physicians who are not echocardiographers has
become common throughout the world across highly diverse settings where the care
of acutely ill patients is provided. Echocardiographic evaluation performed in a
point-of-care manner can provide relevant information regarding the mechanism of
causes of shock, for example, increasing the rates of correct diagnosis and
allowing for faster informed decision-making than through evaluation methods.
Considering that the accurate diagnosis of life-threatening situations is
essential for professionals working with acutely ill patients, several
international associations recommend that physicians responsible for critically
ill patients acquire and develop the ability to perform bedside ultrasound
examinations, including echocardiographic examinations. However, there is no
consensus in the literature regarding which specific applications should be
included in the list of skills for nonechocardiographer physicians. Taking into
account the multiplicity of applications of echocardiography in different
scenarios related to acutely ill patients; the differences in the published
protocols, with regard to both the teaching methodology and competence
verification; and the heterogeneity of training among highly diverse specialties
responsible for their care at different levels, this consensus document aimed to
reflect the position of representatives of related Brazilian medical societies
on the subject and may thus serve as a starting point both for standardization
among different specialties and for the transmission of knowledge and
verification of the corresponding competencies.