Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) has become an increasingly common component of clinical care since its widespread adoption in the early 2000s [1]. As access to ultrasound technology has expanded, so too has the number of clinicians incorporating PoCUS into their practice.

While much of PoCUS education focuses on image acquisition and interpretation, safe and effective use also requires an understanding of ultrasound safety, diagnostic limitations, documentation, quality assurance, and appropriate clinical integration. These principles help ensure that PoCUS findings are applied thoughtfully and within the context of the overall patient assessment.

This module provides an overview of the foundational principles that support safe, effective, and responsible PoCUS practice. Upon completion of this module, learners should be able to:

• Describe the role of PoCUS in clinical care.
• Recognize the benefits of PoCUS.
• Recognize common limitations and diagnostic boundaries of PoCUS.
• Explain the principles of ultrasound safety, including the ALARA principle.
• Understand the importance of training, competency, quality assurance, and image archiving.
• Apply best practices for documentation, communication, infection prevention, and equipment stewardship.
• Integrate PoCUS findings into safe clinical decision-making.