Volume 50, Issue 1 Spring 2026 JVU 501-44 | Applications, Training Requirements, and Challenges in the Implementation of Ultrasonography in Nursing Practice: A Scoping Review-Applications, Training Requirements, and Challenges in the Implementation of Ultrasonography in Nursing Practice: A Scoping Review

Applications, Training Requirements, and Challenges in the Implementation of Ultrasonography in Nursing Practice: A Scoping Review

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This 2026 scoping review by Andretta et al., published in the Journal for Vascular Ultrasound, systematically maps the clinical applications, training needs, barriers, and facilitators related to the use of ultrasonography by nurses across healthcare settings. The review includes 12 studies (randomized trials, observational, qualitative, reviews) involving nurses trained to use ultrasound for diagnostic assessments, procedural guidance, clinical monitoring, and verification of device placement.<br /><br />Key clinical applications identified are: (1) procedural guidance, particularly ultrasound-assisted peripheral venous access, which improves first-attempt success and reduces complications; (2) diagnostics, such as abdominal aorta measurement and bladder volume assessment, leading to enhanced diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction; (3) clinical monitoring, including lung ultrasound for respiratory evaluation and ultrasound for enteral feeding management; and (4) verification of device placement, reducing unnecessary confirmatory imaging.<br /><br />The review finds that nurse-performed ultrasound can improve safety, accuracy, efficiency, and patient satisfaction in diverse settings including ICUs, emergency departments, surgical wards, outpatient clinics, and long-term care. However, training models vary widely from basic to advanced mastery learning programs, and lack of standardized curricula and competency frameworks remains a significant barrier. Other obstacles include limited availability of ultrasound devices, cultural resistance from other healthcare professionals, and organizational factors.<br /><br />Facilitators to implementation include structured training programs, institutional support, shared protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The authors emphasize the need for culturally integrating nurse-performed ultrasound into healthcare teams with clear policies and regulatory oversight to legitimize this expanded nursing role.<br /><br />The review highlights gaps such as limited data on long-term outcomes, skill retention, advanced applications (e.g., FAST exam, hemodynamic assessments), and use in home or community care settings. The authors call for future research on these aspects and underscore that wider adoption depends on investment in training, access to equipment, and organizational endorsement.<br /><br />In conclusion, this scoping review supports the transformative potential of ultrasound in nursing to enhance patient care quality but stresses that sustainable integration requires standardized education, cultural acceptance, and policy support. These findings have particular relevance for vascular ultrasound practices, where nurse-performed ultrasound is increasingly common for vascular access and bedside assessment.

Keywords

nurse-performed ultrasound

vascular ultrasound

clinical applications

procedural guidance

diagnostics

clinical monitoring

device placement verification

training needs

implementation barriers

multidisciplinary collaboration