What does this research mean for the field?

Routine use of lung ultrasound in Australasian neonatal intensive care units remains limited, with most units utilizing it only occasionally for specific clinical indications such as pneumothorax and pleural effusion. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate current lung ultrasound practices, clinical indications, training levels, and perceived barriers across neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand.

September 5, 2026Journal of Paediatrics and Child HealthOpen Access

Lung Ultrasound Practice in Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units—A Survey

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Authors

VGV. Gruber SMStephanie Morakeas BSBernhard Schwaberger

Discussion

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Overview

Survey reveals low routine use of lung ultrasound in neonatal intensive care units, suggesting targeted training and standardized protocols are needed to enhance bedside clinical adoption.

Key Points

To evaluate current lung ultrasound practices, clinical indications, training levels, and perceived barriers across neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand.
A 45-item structured, anonymous REDCap survey was distributed to neonatal intensive care unit heads of departments across Australia (n = 29) and New Zealand (n = 6) between October 2024 and July 2025.
The survey assessed lung ultrasound frequency, clinical and research applications, staff training levels, equipment availability, and barriers to implementation.
A total of 29 units participated (82.9% response rate), with 10.3% reporting routine lung ultrasound use, 65.6% occasional use, and 24.1% non-use.
Primary indications included pleural effusion (79.3%), pneumothorax (75.9%), and respiratory distress syndrome (58.6%), with 79.3% of units using it as first-line imaging for pneumothorax.
At least one senior consultant was trained in 75.9% of units and fellows were trained in 55.2%, with inconsistent utilization not being driven by equipment shortages.

Cite This Study

Gruber et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4046b95aff0620eb5b1 https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.70569

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September 5, 2026Journal of Paediatrics and Child HealthOpen Access

Lung Ultrasound Practice in Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units—A Survey

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

VGV. Gruber SMStephanie Morakeas BSBernhard Schwaberger

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Survey reveals low routine use of lung ultrasound in neonatal intensive care units, suggesting targeted training and standardized protocols are needed to enhance bedside clinical adoption.

Key Points

To evaluate current lung ultrasound practices, clinical indications, training levels, and perceived barriers across neonatal intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand.
A 45-item structured, anonymous REDCap survey was distributed to neonatal intensive care unit heads of departments across Australia (n = 29) and New Zealand (n = 6) between October 2024 and July 2025.
The survey assessed lung ultrasound frequency, clinical and research applications, staff training levels, equipment availability, and barriers to implementation.
A total of 29 units participated (82.9% response rate), with 10.3% reporting routine lung ultrasound use, 65.6% occasional use, and 24.1% non-use.
Primary indications included pleural effusion (79.3%), pneumothorax (75.9%), and respiratory distress syndrome (58.6%), with 79.3% of units using it as first-line imaging for pneumothorax.
At least one senior consultant was trained in 75.9% of units and fellows were trained in 55.2%, with inconsistent utilization not being driven by equipment shortages.

Cite This Study

Gruber et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9bd4046b95aff0620eb5b1 https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.70569

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