International survey of knowledge of indications for EUS

Background: The knowledge level for EUS indications among gastroenterologists across different locations anti practices is not known. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of EUS Indications an long a diverse group of gastroenterologists, both nationally and internationally Methods: A web-based survey was designed to assess knowledge of EUS with respect to 4 organ systems: esophagus, gastroduodenum, hepatopancreatobiliary; and colorectum. The survey was distributed by electronic mail (e-mail) to members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Results: The survey was distributed to 3848 physicians, of whom 2848 had an active e-mail address. There were 323 respondents (11.3%), of whom 210 were U.S. members and 11.3 international. Overall, the mean score for the different organ systems for all respondents was highest for gastroduodenum (93% correct) and lowest for colorectum (71%) compared with esophagus (79%) and hepatopancreatobiliary (83%) systems. The mean total score was higher for U.S. respondents (84% correct) compared with international respondents (79%, p < 0.0001). Endosonographers fared better than those who were not endosonographers (85% vs. 81%,p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Knowledge levels of colorectal applications of EUS are poorest among the 4 organ systems studied. Future educational initiatives should focus On applications of EUS in this categoric Studies are required to assess the impact of this education on the appropriateness of EUS referral patterns.