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.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Tony E
TE
Yusuf
Gavin C
GC
Harewood
Jonathan E
JE
Clain
Michael J
MJ
Levy
Kenneth K
KK
Wang
Mark D
MD
Topazian
Elizabeth
E
Rajan
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