Professional Standards in Thoracic Ultrasound – EFSUMB Position Paper
Laursen CB., Via G., Basille D., Bhatnagar R., Jenssen C., Konge L., Mongodi S., Pietersen PI., Prosch H., Rahman NM., Sidhu PS., Wüstner M., Ewertsen C.
Abstract This position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on professional standards in thoracic ultrasound is a supplement to EFSUMB’s previously published professional standards in medical ultrasound – general aspects. The paper represents a position across the different medical professions within EFSUMB regarding optimal standards for the performing and reporting of thoracic ultrasound examinations by any professional ultrasound practitioner. It describes aspects that ensure procedure quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in the application of thoracic ultrasound. The paper provides recommendations regarding safety and the indication for thoracic ultrasound examinations, requirements for examination rooms, structured examinations, systematic reporting of results, and the management, communication, and archiving of ultrasound data.