Knowledge of indications for EUS among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists.
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.
Yusuf
Tony E
TE
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Harewood
Gavin C
GC
Clain
Jonathan E
JE
Levy
Michael J
MJ
Wang
Kenneth K
KK
Topazian
Mark D
MD
Rajan
Elizabeth
E
D001652:Bile Ducts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004386:Duodenum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D019160:Endosonography; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005762:Gastroenterology; D013502:General Surgery; D007388:Internal Medicine; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010179:Pancreas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States