New BTS Training Standards for Pleural Procedures standardise best practice across the UK

Back in March 2025, a BTS audit found significant safety concerns in pleural procedures across the UK. BTS has since developed training standards in efforts to improve patient safety by standardising best practice in line with the 2023 BTS Pleural Disease Guidelines.

These training standards set out how learners should demonstrate skills required to perform key pleural procedures and should be used across the UK to harmonise training standards for all practitioners across various acute medical specialities.

The focus of this publication is to provide those working within respiratory services with a suitable standard to support the improvement and expansion of their skills.

Dr Alanna Hare said:

“I am delighted to have co-led a multi-professional team, together with Dr Andrew Stanton, to create these training standards for pleural procedures. Pleural procedures are a core skill for the respiratory workforce, but they are also performed by clinicians from other medical specialties. We believe these training standards will support all those who undertake these procedures by clarifying expectations for training and practice in pleural procedures, driving up standards and improving patient safety.”

Dr Andrew Stanton said:

“This is the first time detailed expectations for training and capability demonstration in pleural procedures, aligned with modern postgraduate curricula, have been described. We hope these will be adopted by all specialties where training in pleural procedures is required. This is designed with the multidisciplinary team in mind, has patient safety at its heart and we hope they will effectively support the learning and skill development of all who use them.”

Professor Richard Russell, BTS Chair said:

“BTS welcomes the publication of the new ‘Training Standards for Pleural Procedures’ landmark framework which will enhance the quality, consistency and safety of pleural procedural training across the UK. Pleural procedures are a core element of the respiratory craft, and these standards define clear, capability-based pathways for practitioners at all levels — from trainees to advanced specialists — ensuring that pleural procedures are performed with appropriate supervision and governance. The framework complements existing BTS pleural guidelines and represents an important step toward harmonising training across respiratory, acute, and critical care services to improve patient safety and outcomes.”

Read the new BTS Training Standards on Pleural Procedures.