RELEVANCE AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASOUND (POCUS) IN OBSTETRICS IN REMOTE AREAS

Abstract

This study sought to analyze the relevance and challenges of implementing point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in obstetrics in remote areas, examining its impact on maternal-fetal care and equity in access to diagnosis. It is an integrative literature review aimed at gathering and evaluating the available scientific evidence on the subject. The searches were conducted in the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and the Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using the descriptors “point-of-care ultrasound” and “POCUS,” associated with the terms “obstetrics,” “prenatal,” “remote areas,” “rural,” and “low-resource.” The analyzed studies show that POCUS represents a portable, accessible, and low-cost diagnostic tool capable of providing immediate assessments and real-time clinical decision-making, being especially relevant in contexts with limited infrastructure and specialized professionals. It is concluded that the consolidation of obstetric POCUS requires public policies that promote continuous training, standardization of protocols, and technological support, ensuring its safe, efficient, and equitable application in maternal healthcare.