Lung Ultrasound for Physiotherapy in Hospitalized Patients With Respiratory Complications

The Value of Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound for Physiotherapy in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Respiratory Symptoms

This study aims to evaluate the relevance of using point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) in modifying the physiotherapist's treatment plan for patients hospitalized in a general ward.

Hospitalized patients often confront respiratory issues stemming from diverse causes, such as pneumonia. Physiotherapists rely on a range of clinical and imaging data to inform their treatment decisions. Yet, they face challenges due to the absence of readily accessible, sensitive, specific, and reliable measurements to tailor the most effective physical therapeutic interventions based on individual clinical scenarios. Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound (LUS) holds promise in addressing these existing gaps.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of integrating LUS into clinical practice by comparing physiotherapists' initial clinical assessments and treatment plans with those made after incorporating LUS findings in patients admitted to a general ward.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalization in a general ward
• Acute respiratory symptoms (< 48h)
• Chest X-ray available within 24h before or after the use of LUS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any conditions precluding the use of LUS (thoracic skin lesions, thoracic bandage, subcutaneous emphysema)
• Inability to understand instructions due to cognitive impairment or due to language barrier