Point-of-care ultrasound in neonatal and paediatric practice

Dr Bikash Bhojnagarwala, consultant neonatologist with expertise in paediatric cardiology at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the evolving role of point-of-care ultrasound in neonatal and paediatric clinical settings. He highlights how point-of-care ultrasound has become a vital tool for making timely clinical decisions, especially for both neonatal and paediatric patients. Dr Bhojnagarwala emphasizes the importance of understanding the appropriate scope and limitations of this technology—encouraging clinicians to use it judiciously and in conjunction with other imaging modalities. He explains the distinction between bedside point-of-care ultrasound, which is performed by clinicians as part of their immediate patient assessment, and more detailed echocardiography or imaging performed by specialist sonographers or radiologists for objective reporting. Dr Bhojnagarwala outlines the learning pathway for clinicians, starting with image acquisition, progressing to interpretation, and ultimately integrating findings to supplement clinical decision-making. This interview took place at the RCPCH conference 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.