Knowledge of the indications for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists.

The level of awareness among Irish doctors of the appropriate indications for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is unknown. This study assessed knowledge of EUS indications among consultants and trainees in 3 Irish teaching hospitals. A questionnaire was designed to test knowledge of EUS indications in 4 organ systems: oesophagus, gastroduodenum, hepatopancreatobiliary system and colorectum. The questionnaire was distributed to consultants and trainees (both gastroenterology and non-gastroenterology) in 3 major Irish teaching hospitals. The survey was distributed to 86 doctors, all of whom replied: 18 consultants (11 gastroenterologists,) 40 registrars (28 gastroenterology) and 26 SHOs/interns. Knowledge of appropriate EUS indications was best among consultant gastroenterologists (82%) and GI registrars (79%), compared with non-GI consultants (74%), non-GI registrars (72%) and SHOs/interns (68%). Among gastroenterologists and GI registrars, knowledge levels of oesophageal (89%, 85%) and gastroduodenal applications (92%, 95%) was best while knowledge of colorectal applications (75%, 71%) was poorest. GI consultants and GI registrars display good knowledge of appropriate EUS indications although their knowledge of applications for colorectal disease is poorest. Future studies focusing on the education of non-gastroenterologists of the role of EUS would be helpful.