Exploring the Use of Diagnostic Point-of-Care Lung and Thoracic Ultrasound by Physiotherapists: A Scoping Review

Purpose: Physiotherapists can use point-of-care lung and thoracic ultrasonography (POCLTUS) to guide the diagnostic process and select appropriate interventions. Currently, there is limited information on how physiotherapists incorporate POCLTUS into clinical practice. This scoping review explores physiotherapist-performed POCLTUS and available evidence on physiotherapist training in POCLTUS for respiratory care. Method: Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Emcare, Embase, and AMED were searched from inception to February 2024. Studies were excluded if they included therapeutic ultrasound, POCLTUS performed by non-physiotherapist health care providers, grey literature, or non-cardiorespiratory conditions. Data extracted included study design, population(s), purpose of POCLTUS, respiratory condition(s), and training. Results: Of 11,297 citations screened, 10 studies met inclusion criteria, involving 481 patients aged 7 days to 76 years. Most studies were conducted in adult (7) versus paediatric (3) populations. Physiotherapist-led POCLTUS is reported to be used to diagnose, assess, and guide treatment of conditions such as atelectasis, consolidation, pneumothorax, and pleural effusion. It is also used to measure diaphragmatic thickness and excursion, and as a biofeedback tool during treatment. Few studies described physiotherapist training. Conclusion: POCLTUS is increasingly integrated into cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice. Further research is needed on physiotherapist training in POCLTUS use.