Approved poster presentations

Poster Presenters

Browse approved poster presentations from registered presenters for Kenya Health Security Convention 2026.

145 posters

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Cardiopulmonary Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Health intervention

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Background: Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) enhances clinical decision-making by enabling healthcare workers (HCWs) to rapidly assess patients at the bedside. In Western Kenya, the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) implemented a multi-use POCUS program, including cardiopulmonary applications, to strengthen primary healthcare services. This study assessed the influence of POCUS on the management and referral of cardiopulmonary conditions in lower-level health facilities.

Methods: HCWs from level 3 and 4 facilities were trained in cardiopulmonary POCUS. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from program registers between May and November 2025. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with HCWs from referring and receiving facilities, as well as patients and caregivers. Among the seven patient triads interviewed, one case was highlighted. Rapid qualitative analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel, supported by field notes and triangulation of interview transcripts.

Findings: During the initial implementation phase, 507 HCWs were trained, including 23 medical officers and 108 clinical officers, and 144 facilities were equipped with POCUS devices. Within the study period, 289 cardiopulmonary scans were conducted, resulting in 50 referrals, of which 10 were completed. Seven patients with concerning cardiac findings documented in the Ministry of Health (MOH) registers were identified, and one case was explored in depth. In this case, a clinical officer detected reduced ejection fraction in a hypertensive patient using POCUS, prompting referral for formal imaging. Heart failure was confirmed through echocardiography, and the patient was enrolled in outpatient care.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that POCUS integration improves clinical decision-making and referral processes in primary care settings. However, documentation remains a challenge due to incomplete entries in MOH tools and the lack of standardized referral registers. Strengthening documentation and feedback systems is essential to improve referral completion and overall program effectiveness.

Cardiopulmonary Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Health intervention

Poster Presenters

“With a device to do basic ECHO, you can at least be confident enough to say that the patient might be having heart failure.”