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Isidre Vilacosta, Alberto San Roman, Ultrasound stethoscope is not a substitute of physical examination, European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging, Volume 15, Issue 7, July 2014, Page 836, https://doi.org/10.1093/ehjci/jeu063
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In his interesting article ‘The decline of our physical examination skills: is echocardiography to blame?’, Dr Roelandt outlines several reasons on the decline of physical examination skills and, at the same time, exalts the advantages of the so-called ‘ultrasound stethoscope’. We make a clarification and also remember a fundamental aspect of physical examination.
Comparing physical examination with ‘ultrasound stethoscope’ is like trying to compare a part with the whole. Classically, there are two methods of examining a patient: one that begins at the top of the head and ends with the toes; another is to examine the various systems of the body, one by one, in a logical sequence. In any case, physical examination is much more than cardiac auscultation (ultrasound stethoscope).
It is worthy to emphasize that physical examination is essential in the doctor–patient relationship. It is an intangible benefit and should not be replaced by a device.
Therefore, we may definitely agree with Dr Roelandt that pocket-size ultrasound devices could be used as an aid and a supplement tool to the classic physical examination, but not as a substitute.
