The association between operator confidence and accuracy of ultrasonography performed by novice emergency physicians.

The variable accuracy of emergency department (ED) ultrasound described in the literature has limited its utility as the sole imaging modality in critical decision making. Although ultrasound accuracy is highly dependent upon the technical abilities of the operator and conditions unique to each patient, no previous study of ED ultrasound has included estimates of operator confidence. This prospective observational study explores the association between operator confidence and the accuracy of ED ultrasound.