{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Pediatric ultrasound practice in Italy: an exploratory survey.
{Author}: Musolino AM;Tei M;De Rose C;Buonsenso D;Supino MC;Zampogna S;Staiano A;Raponi M;Amendolea A;Colacino V;Gori L;Manganaro A;Ricci R;D'Inzeo V;Grosso S;Villani A;Agostiniani R;
{Journal}: Ital J Pediatr
{Volume}: 50
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jun 9
{Factor}: 3.288
{DOI}: 10.1186/s13052-024-01680-3
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>The aim of this exploratory survey is to describe the current state of US (ultrasound) technique across different pediatric settings nationwide.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>A questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, including pediatric residents. The survey was open from December 2021 to March 2022.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>There were 1098 respondents. Seven hundred and seven pediatricians (84.1%) reported any use of US, while 51 (44.3%) residents denied it. The majority of participants (n = 956, 87.1%) reported to have a US machine available within the department, mostly cart-based (n = 516, 66.9%) and provided from 1 to 5 years prior to the survey (n = 330, 42.8%). Lung and neonatal cerebral regions were the most frequently scanned (n = 289, 18.7% and n = 218, 14.1%, respectively). The suspicion of pneumonia or respiratory distress represented the main reasons for performing US in emergency room (n = 390, 78% and n = 330, 66%, respectively). The majority of family pediatricians reported to scan lung and kidney/urinary tract regions (n = 30, 16.9%, and n = 23,12.9%, respectively). Regarding US training, the majority of respondents (n = 358, 34.6%) declared an experience-based education, with a deficient certification enabling the use of US in 71.6% (n = 552) of cases. The most common barriers included the lack of a well-defined training program (n = 627, 57.1%), unavailability of the US machine (n = 196, 17.9%) and legal responsibility concern (n = 175, 15.9%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Despite the growing interest on pediatric US nationally, significant barriers still limit widespread adoption. These obstacles may be addressed through the dissemination of a specific US education plan and providing additional resources.