Tung Siu1, Huy Chau, Doug Myhre. 1. Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta, Canada. tsiu@ucalgary.ca
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the current practices and opinions of family physicians in Whitehorse, YT, regarding bedside ultrasonography performed by family physicians in outpatient medical offices. METHODS: A paper survey was administered to Whitehorse family physicians. Only those who had worked for longer than 6 months in a community outpatient clinic in Whitehorse were invited to participate. RESULTS: The response rate of our survey was 44%. None of the respondents reported currently using bedside ultrasonography in their outpatient medical offices; however, 78% reported having training in ultrasonography and using it in another setting. Of the respondents, 94% stated they would consider using bedside ultrasonography in their outpatient medical office. Economics was the biggest reported barrier in the use of bedside ultrasonography in outpatient medical offices. CONCLUSION: A wealth of experience in bedside ultrasonography already exists among family physicians in Whitehorse, and an overwhelming majority of physicians are ready to embrace its use in outpatient offices. However, the skills and willingness of family physicians have not translated into the use of bedside ultrasonography in outpatient medical offices.
INTRODUCTION: We sought to determine the current practices and opinions of family physicians in Whitehorse, YT, regarding bedside ultrasonography performed by family physicians in outpatient medical offices. METHODS: A paper survey was administered to Whitehorse family physicians. Only those who had worked for longer than 6 months in a community outpatient clinic in Whitehorse were invited to participate. RESULTS: The response rate of our survey was 44%. None of the respondents reported currently using bedside ultrasonography in their outpatient medical offices; however, 78% reported having training in ultrasonography and using it in another setting. Of the respondents, 94% stated they would consider using bedside ultrasonography in their outpatient medical office. Economics was the biggest reported barrier in the use of bedside ultrasonography in outpatient medical offices. CONCLUSION: A wealth of experience in bedside ultrasonography already exists among family physicians in Whitehorse, and an overwhelming majority of physicians are ready to embrace its use in outpatient offices. However, the skills and willingness of family physicians have not translated into the use of bedside ultrasonography in outpatient medical offices.