Ultrasound is a standard assessment modality in hospital and prehospital settings. It is becoming more accessible in remote, austere and resource-limited environments. Aim: This article aims to review the literature on the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging in low- to medium-income countries (LMICs) and by practitioners working in remote and austere out-of-hospital environments. Methods: Fifteen articles published between 2019 and 2023 found via PubMed were identified and analysed. Results: The 15 papers present the use of ultrasound imaging by practitioners in LMICs: six were systemic reviews; five were narrative reviews; two were randomised clinical trials; and two were case studies. Conclusions: Few articles focusing on POCUS use in LMICs were published over the five-year period. However, the number of publications increased over the years. Of the 15 studies in this review, six (40%) were systematic reviews, five (33%) were narrative reviews, two (13%) were random clinical trials and two (13%) were case studies. All studies were conducted in district hospitals or other resource-limited environments. The studies have revealed a significant increase in POCUS use over the past few years, with the majority of the devices now being smartphone-based. This is a promising development in POCUS use in austere environments.
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