Implementation of an eFAST guideline and teaching to improve documentation practices and saving of ultrasound images.

Objectives: To investigate whether implementation of a hospital-based Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (eFAST) guideline and teaching improved documentation and saving of images.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on trauma patients aged ≥16 years presenting to St Vincent's Hospital Sydney Emergency Department over two, three-month periods in 2023.

Results: Guideline and teaching implementation resulted in statistically significant improvement in documentation on the Trauma Response Form, 85% (113/133) to 93% (120/129), odds ratio (OR) 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-5.40), P = 0.04, and images saved, 4% (5/133) to 21% (27/129), OR 6.7 (95% CI = 2.5-18.2), P < 0.001.

Conclusions: Developing an eFAST Standard of Care Guideline and education was associated with improvements in documentation and saving of images to ultrasound machines.