Perception, Challenges, and Barriers of Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound Among Respiratory Therapist in the United States

Abstract

Background

Point-of-care lung ultrasound (POCLUS) has gained significant interest within the respiratory therapy profession.

Research Question

Does participating in an online on-demand POCLUS didactic course affect the willingness to use or promote POCLUS among respiratory therapists (RTs)? What are the critical barriers to the implementation of POCLUS? What are the perceptions of RTs about the use of POCLUS?

Study Design and Methods

This study used a pre-educational vs posteducational interventional design and received approval from the institutional review board. Participants were recruited via social media channels. The inclusion criteria required participants to be licensed registered RTs actively engaged in bedside practice within the United States. After signing the informed consent form, participants completed an online survey, underwent the online course, and participated in a 2-week follow-up survey.

Results

A total of 70 participants with a mean ± SD age of 38.8 ± 9.0 years participated in the study. Most participants were female (n = 50 [71.4%]) and had been practicing as RTs for > 1 year (n = 65 [92.9%]). Most participants (87.1% [n = 61]) had observed POCLUS being performed on a patient and were curious to use it after the course; 97.1% (n = 68) believed that POCLUS should be incorporated into the clinical assessment. Additionally, 91.4% (n = 64) of the participants discussed the POCLUS elements with fellow RTs and 90% (n = 63) reported an increased willingness to use this skill. The top barriers to performing POCLUS were the lack of a formal curriculum and limited device availability. Interestingly, financial incentives did not emerge as a significant barrier.

Interpretation

Our findings show that RTs display strong willingness and interest in integrating POCLUS into their daily clinical assessments. The inclusion of POCLUS in the curriculum was found to be the primary barrier, whereas financial incentives were not reported as a significant barrier.