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Barriers to contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in New Zealand and proposed solutions
Author(s) -
Necas Martin,
Ong Qi Hao
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
sonography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2054-6750
pISSN - 2202-8323
DOI - 10.1002/sono.12220
Subject(s) - contrast enhanced ultrasound , medicine , diagnostic ultrasound , ultrasound , contrast (vision) , radiology , medical physics , computer science , artificial intelligence
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) appears underutilised in New Zealand (NZ). The purpose of this survey was to gain an understanding of the barriers that prevent NZ practitioners from implementing CEUS and to offer practical solutions on how to solve such barriers. Methods A questionnaire was distributed to 88 delegates of two regional meetings on the topic of CEUS convened in Tauranga and Auckland, NZ in November and December 2019. Results Response rate was 82%. Of the 72 respondents, 56 were sonographers and 14 radiologists. The 72 respondents provided 129 responses regarding the barriers that have hindered them or their department in implementing and performing CEUS. The most common barriers were lack of knowledge on part of sonographers or radiologists (n = 23, 42%), lack of support from radiologists (n = 21, 38%), uncertainty about funding or charges (n = 14, 25%), lack of interest on part of radiologists (7, 12%) and lack of leadership (7, 12%). Conclusion This study revealed a broad range of barriers that have prevented practitioners of ultrasound from implementing and performing CEUS. The analysis of these barriers and practical solutions are provided so that readers who are not yet performing CEUS can anticipate and address these common barriers.