Lung Ultrasound
Lung Ultrasound (LUS) has been used by physiotherapists in the United Kingdom for over 10-years and continues to grow steadily. As the most established point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) modality within physiotherapy respiratory care, a reasonable body of evidence and resources already exists. This section contains a collection of documents and publications that will aid those looking to develop a LUS service as well as those wanting to expand an existing LUS service.
Requests and ideas for additional content are welcome, please email simon.hayward1@nhs.net
2021 – ACPRC LUS Position Statement https://www.acprc.org.uk/media/1ccduv1h/journalvol53issue22021.pdf
2022 – CSP Context of Physiotherapists using POCUShttps://www.csp.org.uk/system/files/publication_files/PD138_POCUSContext_e1_Apr22_0.pdf
2022 – CSP Practice Guidance for Physiotherapists using POCUShttps://www.csp.org.uk/system/files/publication_files/PD139_POCUSPracticeGuidance_e1_Apr22.pdf
2023 – BMUS Recommendations for practising POCUS independently of radiology https://www.rcr.ac.uk/media/pwxpdxr2/rcr-publications_recommendations-for-specialists-practising-ultrasound-independently-of-radiology-departments-safety-governance-and-education_april-2023.pdf
2025 – Standard Operating Procedure: Physiotherapy LUS Training - (See Downloads)
2025 – Standard Operating Procedure: Physiotherapy LUS Examinations - (See Downloads )
- Le Neindre et al (2016), Thoracic ultrasound: Potential new tool for physiotherapists in respiratory management. A narrative review. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2015.10.014
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Kruisselbrink et al (2017), I-AIM Framework for Point of Care Lung Ultrasound (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000001779
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Hayward & Janssen (2018), Use of thoracic ultrasound by physiotherapists: a scoping review of the literature. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2018.01.001
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Hansell et al (2020), Lung ultrasound has greater accuracy than conventional respiratory assessment tools for the diagnosis of pleural effusion, lung consolidation and collapse: a systematic review. (Open Access)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2020.12.002
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Le Neindre et al (2021), Thoracic ultrasound influences physiotherapist’s clinical decision- making in respiratory management of critical care patients: a multicentre cohort study http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-218217
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Smith et al (2022), A proposed framework for point of care lung ultrasound by respiratory physiotherapists: scope of practice, education and governance (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13089-022-00266-6
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Lockstone et al (2023), The use of diaphragm and lung ultrasound in acute respiratory physiotherapy practice and the impact on clinical decision-making: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2023.10.001
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Hayward et al (2025), Exploring the adoption of diaphragm and lung ultrasound (DLUS) by physiotherapists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists: an updated scoping review (Open Access) https://doi.org/10.1186/s13089-025-00412-w
