Abstract

Ko Ichihashi1,2* and Mariko Momoi2

In this study, we examined how pediatricians use abdominal ultrasonography and the educational problems associated with this technique for pediatricians in Japan. A simple questionnaire was distributed at the 2004 prefectural meetings of the Ibaraki and Tochigi chapters of the Japan Pediatric Society. Of the pediatricians who replied to the questionnaire, 38, 47 and 14% reported using abdominal ultrasonography often, sometimes, and never, respectively. Forty-two percent of those who use abdominal ultrasonography perform the procedure themselves; the rates were high among respondents in their thirties and forties, and the rates were highest in private practice and lowest in university hospitals and children’s hospitals. Intussusception, fatty liver, and hydronephrosis can be diagnosed by the pediatricians themselves, while diagnoses of appendicitis and diseases of the reproductive system are difficult. Fifty- eight percent of the pediatricians who do not perform abdominal ultrasonography themselves had no chance to learn how to use the technique. The pediatricians wish to learn abdominal ultrasound from publications, seminars, and guidance by specialists. New trials of publications and seminars are currently ongoing and the development of a system to facilitate learning from specialists is needed.