Physiotherapist using ultrasound in futuristic ICU

Unlock the Power of Ultrasound: A Beginner's Guide for Acute Care Physiotherapists

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn how diagnostic thoracic ultrasound (DTU) is transforming critical care and empowering physiotherapists to make faster, more informed decisions."

In today's fast-paced critical care environments, physiotherapists need every advantage to make rapid, informed decisions. Traditionally, they've relied on a combination of clinical examinations, lung auscultation, and chest radiograph interpretation. However, a groundbreaking tool is emerging that promises to enhance their capabilities significantly: diagnostic thoracic ultrasound (DTU).

DTU is rapidly becoming an indispensable asset in critical care, offering a real-time window into the patient's lungs and pleural space. While previously the domain of physicians, DTU is now increasingly being adopted by other healthcare professionals, including acute care physiotherapists. This shift necessitates proper training and a standardized approach to ensure competence and optimal patient outcomes.

Recent research evaluated a pilot program designed to train acute care physiotherapists in DTU. This program aimed to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills to identify key pulmonary pathologies, ultimately leading to improved patient care. Let's explore how this training program is transforming the role of physiotherapists in critical care.

The DTU Training Program: A Closer Look

Physiotherapist using ultrasound in futuristic ICU

The one-day DTU course combined didactic lectures with hands-on training led by experienced experts. Participants learned about key ultrasound findings related to normal lungs, as well as various pleural and pulmonary pathologies. The training incorporated pre- and post-course knowledge questionnaires to gauge learning outcomes. Furthermore, participants at the institution where the course was held underwent a practical examination to assess their newly acquired skills.

The training program employed several strategies to maximize participant learning:

Comprehensive pre-reading materials: Participants received a detailed review article covering the fundamentals of DTU and its applications in critical care.
Baseline readiness evaluation: A pre-course questionnaire assessed participants' existing knowledge.
Small group training: A high instructor-to-trainee ratio (1:3) allowed for personalized guidance and hands-on practice.
Post-workshop knowledge and practical tests: These assessments evaluated participants' knowledge acquisition and skill development.

The results of the study were promising. A total of 12 acute care physiotherapists participated in the training, and their questionnaire scores showed a significant increase after the course. This indicated improved knowledge of diagnostic thoracic ultrasound, including the ability to recognize lung and pleural pathology images. The practical examination further validated these findings, demonstrating the participants' enhanced skills in performing DTU.

The Future of DTU in Acute Care Physiotherapy

While the results of this pilot program are encouraging, further research is needed to investigate the long-term retention of knowledge and skills, as well as the impact of DTU on clinical decision-making in real-world practice. Larger studies are necessary to validate these findings and establish best practices for DTU training and implementation in acute care physiotherapy. However, the potential benefits of DTU are undeniable. By empowering physiotherapists with this advanced imaging tool, we can improve patient outcomes, optimize treatment strategies, and elevate the standard of care in critical care settings.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/ajum.12059, Alternate LINK

Title: Evaluation Of A Pilot Programme On Diagnostic Thoracic Ultrasound Curriculum For Acute Care Physiotherapists

Subject: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Journal: Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: George Ntoumenopoulos, Hwee Kuan Ong, Hong Chuen Toh, Rafael Pulido Saclolo, Wen Duu Sewa

Published: 2017-07-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is diagnostic thoracic ultrasound (DTU) and why is it important for acute care physiotherapists?

Diagnostic thoracic ultrasound, known as DTU, provides a real-time view of the lungs and pleural space. This allows for quicker and better-informed decisions in critical care. While previously used by doctors, acute care physiotherapists are now using DTU, which requires specialized training and standardized procedures for best results.

What did the DTU training program for acute care physiotherapists involve?

The training program included pre-reading materials, an initial evaluation of current knowledge, instruction in small groups, and evaluations following the workshop. Acute care physiotherapists underwent a one-day DTU course combining lectures and hands-on training to identify key pulmonary pathologies. Knowledge was assessed via questionnaires, and practical skills were gauged through examinations.

How effective was the DTU training program for acute care physiotherapists?

The acute care physiotherapists' scores on questionnaires significantly improved after completing the DTU course, demonstrating increased knowledge of diagnostic thoracic ultrasound. In addition, practical exams confirmed that their abilities to perform DTU were enhanced. This underscores the significance of specialized training in this area.

What are the next steps for research and implementation of DTU in acute care physiotherapy?

While the pilot program results are promising, further studies are needed to assess how well knowledge and skills are retained over time and how DTU impacts real-world clinical decisions. Larger studies are essential to confirm these findings and create optimal DTU training and implementation guidelines for acute care physiotherapy. Further understanding of clinical implementation is required to optimize DTU's use.

What are the potential benefits and implications of diagnostic thoracic ultrasound (DTU) for acute care physiotherapy and patient outcomes?

By using DTU, acute care physiotherapists are able to assess lung and pleural conditions in real-time, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The use of DTU by acute care physiotherapists may optimize treatment strategies, improve patient outcomes, and raise the standard of critical care. Broader adoption could shift how respiratory assessments are conducted, integrating imaging more directly into physiotherapy practice.