Lung ultrasound in respiratory therapy: a global reflective survey.

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a non-invasive point of care diagnostic tool used to assess the presence and severity of various lung disorders for more than two decades. Within the healthcare professionals are the respiratory therapists (RTs) who play a vital role in managing ventilated and other patients requiring respiratory support, but the incorporation of LUS into their scope of practice has not been well highlighted. This international cross-sectional survey was specifically designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of RTs with respect to LUS.

Routine Application of Lung Ultrasonography in Respiratory Care: Knowledge, Perceptions, and Barriers to Instigate.

Background: Lung Ultrasound (LUS) had proved to be beneficial in detecting respiratory disorders at the bedside. Understanding the important role of Respiratory Therapists (RTs) in the critical care, we aimed to assess their knowledge, perceived relevance of LUS to clinical practice, current skill gaps, and barriers to practice.

Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey conducted among the RTs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Lung Ultrasound: The Emerging Role of Respiratory Therapists.

Lung ultrasound is a point-of-care imaging tool that is routinely used in acute care medicine. Traditionally, radiology physicians were the primary practitioners of diagnostic ultrasound, but with the recognition of its importance in intensive care medicine, critical care physicians have also adopted this practice. Within the intensive care unit inter-professional team is the respiratory therapist, who participates actively in the care of ventilated patients.