Thoracic Ultrasound – EFSUMB Training Recommendations – a Position Paper

Abstract

A wide range of medical specialists increasingly use thoracic ultrasound and transthoracic ultrasound-guided interventions in their clinical practice. To ensure high quality and standardized practice across specialties, this position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) describes the training requirements for thoracic ultrasound. The recommendations follow the three EFSUMB competency levels for medical ultrasound practice. Level 1 describes the skills required to perform basic thoracic ultrasound examinations and basic interventions independently, level 2 includes more advanced transthoracic ultrasound imaging and guided interventions, while level 3 involves the practice of high-level thoracic ultrasound and the use of advanced technologies. Previously, a predefined minimum number of ultrasound examinations was used to determine competence, but in recent years, a general shift towards competency-based training and assessment has been implemented. For each EFSUMB level, we outline the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for clinical practice.

Zusammenfassung

Eine Vielzahl von Fachärzten setzt in ihrer klinischen Praxis zunehmend Thorax-Ultraschall und transthorakale ultraschallgesteuerte Interventionen ein. Um eine hohe Qualität und standardisierte Praxis über alle Fachgebiete hinweg zu gewährleisten, beschreibt dieses Positionspapier der European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) die Ausbildungsanforderungen für Thoraxsonografie. Die Empfehlungen orientieren sich an den drei EFSUMB-Kompetenzstufen für die medizinische Ultraschallpraxis. Stufe 1 beschreibt die Fähigkeiten, die zur selbstständigen Durchführung grundlegender Thorax-Ultraschalluntersuchungen und -interventionen erforderlich sind, Stufe 2 umfasst fortgeschrittene transthorakale Ultraschallbildgebung und geführte Interventionen, während Stufe 3 die Anwendung der Thoraxsonografie auf hohem Niveau und den Einsatz modernster Technologien umfasst. Bisher wurde die Kompetenz anhand einer festgelegten Mindestanzahl von Ultraschalluntersuchungen bestimmt, doch in den letzten Jahren hat sich ein allgemeiner Trend zu kompetenzbasierten Schulungen und Bewertungen durchgesetzt. Für jede EFSUMB-Stufe beschreiben wir die theoretischen Kenntnisse und praktischen Fähigkeiten, die für die klinische Praxis erforderlich sind.

Keywords

Chest - Education, Training, Quality Assurance - Point of care

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 30. Juli 2024

Angenommen nach Revision: 23. Juli 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
23. Juli 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
06. Oktober 2025

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