Variables for reporting studies on extended - focused assessment with sonography for trauma (E-FAST): An international delphi consensus study.

Abstract

Background: The Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (E-FAST) is a diagnostic ultrasound technique used in hospital and pre-hospital settings for patients with torso trauma. While E-FAST is common in emergency departments, its pre-hospital use is less routine. This study aims to establish a set of variables for designing studies on pre-hospital E-FAST through a Delphi consensus process involving international experts.

Methods: A Delphi consensus process was utilized, involving four rounds of e-mail to the experts. The experts proposed variables for each category, assessed them using a 5-point Likert scale, and voted on whether they should be included in the final template.

Results: Out of 14 invited experts, 9 participated in the study. In total, the experts proposed 247 variables. After four rounds, a final list of 32 variables was approved by all experts. These variables related to the system, patient, process, training, imaging, outcome, and others.

Conclusions: This Delphi consensus study presents a list of 32 variables for future research studies concerning the use of E-FAST ultrasound in pre-hospital settings. The results of this study are significant as they provide a standardized set of variables that will facilitate the comparison of data obtained from various studies. This will ultimately contribute to the advancement of pre-hospital E-FAST research and practice.