Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging training, use, and knowledge among rheumatologists in China

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has been extensively studied by rheumatologists in Europe and the Americas, but less is known about MSUS use in Asia. Our hypothesis is that MSUS use is less prevalent in China as compared with its Western counterparts. This study reports the most up-to-date recommendations for MSUS use in rheumatology globally and is also the first study to characterize the current practices, training, and perceptions regarding MSUS of rheumatologists in China.

A 43-question survey was designed and distributed via mobile application to members of the Chinese Rheumatology Association, primarily to investigate the current prevalence and utilization of MSUS in China. Statistical analyses included the use of chi-square tests and independent-samples t tests, with p values less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The results showed low rates of MSUS training (129/528, 24%) and current MSUS use (89/524, 17%) in China. However, there was a high level of interest in learning MSUS, especially among younger respondents. Lack of access to training programs and user variability in skill were seen as significant barriers to the uptake of MSUS.

Despite low rates of MSUS training and utilization, the vast majority of respondents believe that MSUS should become a standard clinical tool in rheumatology, and there was great interest in undergoing training. Importantly, lack of access to MSUS training programs and user variability in skill were seen as significant obstacles to the more widespread use of MSUS, which suggests a need for more standardized, high-quality MSUS training in China. Key Points • A low percentage of Chinese rheumatologists (17%) currently use MSUS. • Chinese rheumatologists expressed a high level of interest in obtaining MSUS training. • The greatest perceived obstacle to more widespread MSUS use is the lack of training programs.