The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) hosted an Ultrasound First Forum in November 2012, which addressed the expanding role of ultrasound imaging as a "first" imaging examination and was devoted to encouraging the use of ultrasound as a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to other diagnostic imaging modalities where scientific evidence supports its appropriateness. Proceedings from the forum are available in the April issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, featuring summaries of clinical presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and an agenda for the future. Open access to the proceedings and video clips of each segment are available at www.ultrasoundfirst.org.
More than 100 attendees, representing medical societies, patient advocacy groups, medical insurers, industry, medical education, and national interest organizations, collaborated to identify anatomic sites and care environments where data support the use of ultrasound first. During the forum, this broad group of stakeholders developed a map for continued collaboration in the future to develop Ultrasound First guidelines regarding imaging criteria, provider education and training, patient awareness, and algorithms for use in clinical practice.
The forum was chaired by AIUM President Alfred Z. Abuhamed, MD, who stated: "The value of the collaboration that took place during the forum cannot be overstated. Each participant brought a unique and well-informed perspective to discussions which contributed to the successful outcome."
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