title: Variation in the use of point-of-care ultrasound in general practice in various European countries. Results of a survey among experts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Before implementing point-of-care ultrasound in general practice in Denmark, we sought inspiration from other countries/regions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To collect information about the use and organizational aspects of point-of-care ultrasound in general practice in different European countries/regions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen key persons with knowledge about the use of ultrasound in general practice in Austria, Catalonia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greenland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, and Switzerland were included. Participants received a link to a web-based questionnaire. The primary outcome measures were educational aspects regarding the use of point-of-care ultrasound; clinical application and use; financial aspects; and main barriers to using ultrasound in general practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In eight out of 12 countries/regions there were national societies for the use of ultrasound in general practice. The respondents from three countries/regions reported that the use of ultrasound was integrated into undergraduate medical education. In nine of the countries/regions, there was formalized training for general practitioners, but only three reported this to be part of the specialization to become a general practitioner. In seven out of 12 countries/regions, general practitioners received payment for ultrasound scans. However, the payment and the requirements for reimbursement differed between countries. Lack of time, lack of training, and financial aspects were important common barriers across countries/regions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were significant differences regarding the use and organizational aspects of point-of-care ultrasound in general practice in Europe. Lack of time and training as well as financial aspects were important barriers to the use of point-of-care ultrasound in general practice.[Box: see text].
authors.affiliation: a Research Unit of General Practice in Aalborg, and Department of Clinical Medicine , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark.
authors.forename: Troels
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mengel-Jørgensen
authors.affiliation: a Research Unit of General Practice in Aalborg, and Department of Clinical Medicine , Aalborg University , Aalborg , Denmark.
authors.forename: Martin Bach
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Ultrasonography; general practice/education; general practice/instrumentation; physicians; primary care