Knowledge of indications for EUS among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists

Gastrointest Endosc. 2004 Oct;60(4):575-9. doi: 10.1016/s0016-5107(04)02015-2.

Abstract

Background: The level of awareness among non-gastroenterologists of the indications for EUS is unknown. This study assessed knowledge of the indications and the utility of EUS among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists in a large multispecialty academic practice.

Methods: A questionnaire was designed that tested knowledge of the indications for EUS with respect to 4 organ systems: esophagus, gastroduodenum, hepatopancreatobiliary system and colorectum. The questionnaire was distributed by electronic mail to gastroenterologists, general internists, non-gastroenterologist subspecialists, and surgeons in a large multispecialty practice.

Results: The survey was distributed to 659 attending physicians of whom 227 (34%) replied: gastroenterologists (53%), internists (30%), non-gastroenterologist specialists (33%), and surgeons (28%). Knowledge of appropriate indications was highest among gastroenterologists (84.3%) compared with internists (68.9%), non-gastroenterologist specialists (65.4%), and surgeons (65.3%) (p < 0.0001). Among all non-gastroenterologists, knowledge of indications for hepatopancreatobiliary (mean 66.3% correct responses) and colorectal applications (64.0%) was inferior to knowledge of esophageal (71.5%) and gastroduodenal (83.5%) applications.

Conclusions: Internists, non-gastroenterologist specialists, and surgeons in a large multispeciality practice have moderate knowledge of the indications and the utility of EUS. Knowledge was at the lowest level for hepatopancreatobiliary and colorectal applications of EUS for all 3 groups of non-gastroenterologists. Future studies should focus on the education of non-gastroenterologists regarding the role of EUS and assess the impact of such education on the appropriateness of EUS referral patterns.

MeSH terms

  • Bile Ducts / diagnostic imaging
  • Colon / diagnostic imaging
  • Duodenum / diagnostic imaging
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Endosonography*
  • Esophagus / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastroenterology*
  • General Surgery
  • Internal Medicine
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Pancreas / diagnostic imaging
  • Rectum / diagnostic imaging
  • Stomach / diagnostic imaging
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States