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Pascal Kangberee, a dedicated Pulmonology Fellow in training at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana, shares his insights on the transformative impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in patient care.
Currently working in Accra at the largest referral centre in the country, Pascal manages a wide range of cases, from respiratory illnesses to general medicine. His journey with POCUS, guided by Worldwide Radiology, has not only enhanced his clinical skills but also significantly improved patient outcomes.
“POCUS is truly a game changer in patient care,” Pascal explains. “You can perform it at the bedside, which saves time and resources. Instead of having to transport patients across multiple floors to the radiology department, we can get everything we need right where the patient is. This is especially valuable in a hospital like mine, where moving a patient can involve a lot of resources and disrupt nursing care.”
The benefits of POCUS extend beyond convenience. For Pascal, the ability to make rapid, accurate diagnoses on the spot has been invaluable. “In radiology, we often rely on imaging to confirm diagnoses, particularly in complex cases like strokes. But with POCUS, the results are immediate. There’s no waiting hours or even until the next day for results from the radiology department. This immediacy is crucial, especially when making decisions about interventions or treatments.”
Pascal shares a compelling example of how POCUS has directly benefited a patient. “Last week, I had a patient with lupus nephritis, a condition that can be very costly due to the need for dialysis. The patient was experiencing swelling in one leg and breathlessness, which raised concerns about a possible pulmonary embolism or fluid in the lungs.
Using POCUS, I was able to quickly determine that there was no clot in the leg, making it less likely to be a pulmonary embolism. Instead, I identified pulmonary edema, which meant the patient could safely proceed with dialysis.
In just 10-15 minutes, we had a clear diagnosis and could act accordingly. The patient received the care they needed without delay.”
For Pascal, POCUS is not just a tool for diagnosis; it’s also a confidence booster for physicians, particularly those early in their careers. “For us as physicians, POCUS boosts our morale. It’s a new skill that gives you more confidence in your practice. When you use POCUS and the radiology department later confirms your diagnosis, it reinforces your decision-making and builds your confidence.”
Pascal’s journey with POCUS began when he was seeking to expand his skills. “Before I came across Worldwide Radiology, I knew about the concept of POCUS but didn’t know what it was called. I wanted to learn how to scan, and after some research, I discovered the WWR POCUS course. What stood out to me was how comprehensive the course was—almost a year long, with hands-on training and mentorship. It was exactly what I needed to learn this valuable skill.”
The comprehensive nature of the course, which includes not only theory but also hands-on experience and mentorship, has had a profound impact on Pascal’s practice. “The WWR course, which is delivered together with the University of Salford in the UK, takes you from the grassroots of this skill and builds on it throughout the year. The hands-on part is brilliant, and the mentorship adds another layer of support. We have a network where we can discuss different cases and learn from one another, which positively affects our patient care. It’s phenomenal.”
POCUS has also enabled Pascal to expand his clinical capabilities, particularly in performing procedures that previously required specialist intervention. “Another common situation where POCUS is invaluable is finding IV access. People often struggle to get lines, but with POCUS, we can scan the hands to locate veins. I also use POCUS to perform lung biopsies, which we previously had to refer to interventional radiologists. Now, we can do some biopsies at the bedside with needle visualisation, which speeds up diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases where waiting for biopsy results could allow the disease to progress.”
Despite the challenges of being one of only a few in his department with POCUS skills, Pascal has become an advocate for its benefits among his colleagues. “In my department, there are only 3-4 of us with POCUS skills.
Through my support, I’ve convinced many of my colleagues of its importance, and quite a few now want to learn it themselves. This skill is particularly valuable for those working in rural areas where access to advanced radiology services is limited.”
Being a POCUS trainer is something Pascal finds deeply fulfilling. “Imparting knowledge to my colleagues while empowering them is incredibly rewarding. Training takes a lot of work, dedication, and time, but it’s worth it. It reinforces what we do and feels very fulfilling. Mentoring, in every sense, is an amazing experience. What I’ve learned from my POCUS mentoring experience, I’ve applied to other aspects of mentoring in my career.”
Pascal also highlights the psychological impact POCUS has on patients. “Some patients see POCUS as an advanced medical technology, but it’s actually very simple. Psychologically, they are very appreciative. They feel like more attention is being paid to their diagnosis and care, especially since they don’t need to pay extra for it.”
Pascal Kangberee’s experience with POCUS exemplifies how this technology is revolutionising patient care in Ghana. By enabling quick, accurate bedside diagnostics, POCUS not only improves patient outcomes but also empowers physicians to deliver better care with confidence.
As Pascal continues to advocate for POCUS, he is helping to spread its benefits to more healthcare providers, ensuring that more patients receive the timely, effective care they deserve.
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