Musculoskeletal ultrasonography in Romania - results from a specific questionnaire

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS) is currently used in daily medical practice, as an extension of the clinical examination. The development of training programmes for MSUS has increased the interest of physicians from different specialties in performing this exploration. We realized a survey in order to describe the current practice of MSUS in Romania, as well as determining physicians' preferences for MSUS training implementation.

In 2010, 196 questionnaires were completed and returned at two congresses in Romania.

Most of the participants were rheumatologists and radiologists, followed by physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, internal medicine doctors, general practitioners and other specialists. 41% of respondents practice MSUS themselves. Doctors use MSUS as a diagnostic tool (95%) and for monitoring diseases (75%). Lack of training and lack of MSUS competence were the main reasons for not performing MSUS. The respondents expressed their preference for future training to be via a programme of regular, intensive courses and active participation in clinics where MSUS is performed. Most of the participants consider mentoring the assessement method of choice.

The majority of participants in this survey use MSUS in the management of their patients. The results indicate participants' preferences on how training should be delivered in the future.