Use of thoracic ultrasound by physiotherapists: a scoping review of the literature

Abstract

Use of TUS by physiotherapists is an emerging area in both diaphragm and lung diagnostics. A wide range of patient populations may benefit from physiotherapists using TUS. Papers in this review are heterogeneous making any generalisability difficult but does show its potential for varied uses. TUS is an innovative skill in the hands of physiotherapists, but more research is needed.

Diagnostic thoracic ultrasound imaging – An exploration of respiratory physiotherapists' interest and use in clinical practice: A national survey

“…although it is gaining recognition as a potential respiratory assessment and outcome tool within the profession [3]. The accuracy of TUS to differentiate between many common pulmonary pathologies [1] into their clinical reasoning from those who utilise just one aspect of the scanning process.…”

“…Respiratory physiotherapists do not routinely learn to perform TUS as part of their practice and have relied on other professionals such as radiographers to provide imaging such as ultrasound scans. However, respiratory physiotherapists are beginning to use TUS to inform their research and clinical practice by performing the TUS scans themselves as autonomous practitioners [3]. It would appear that TUS is currently viewed as an advanced respiratory physiotherapist skill within critical care as shown by two Delphi studies from Skinner et al [4] and Twose et al [5], performed on Australasian and United Kingdom (UK) physiotherapy experts respectively, looking at minimum standards of physiotherapy practice on critical care.…”

Scoping reviews

“…The checklist consists of 20 essential reporting items and two optional items. A helpful introductory video and a series of tip sheets for reporting each PRISMA-ScR item can be found at: https://knowledgetranslation.net/portfolios/theprisma-scr-prisma-extension-for-scoping-reviews/ Two recent scoping reviews published in Physiotherapy demonstrate the relevance of this methodology to the profession; these are in the areas of the use of thoracic ultrasound by physiotherapists [9] and interventions for people with dementia and hip fracture [10].…”

The importance of asking the right questions: the role of chest ultrasound in thoracic surgery

“…But the scenario may be even more vary: some authors report that nurseperformed lung ultrasound shows good accuracy in diagnosis of acute cardiogenic dyspnea (17) and hypnotize nurses' role in overcrowded emergency departments and medical wards. A recent review on the use of CU by physiotherapists has reiterated a beautiful concept already expressed in this setting (18): in regards of the integration of CU in the daily practice of physiotherapists, the authors say that when these skills are used to inform clinical reasoning, it takes the operator beyond the role of a "technician" to that of a professional.…”