Current state of the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and view on the future development of MSUS training and services in Hong Kong: Results of a survey among the members of the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology

Abstract

Abstract Objective To document the current state of the use of musculoskeletal US (MSUS) and view on the future development of MSUS training and services among the members of the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology. Methods A three-page anonymous questionnaire, divided into three sections (demographics, current state of the MSUS service, and view on future development of MSUS training and services), was sent (either in electronic format or in hardcopy) to 79 members (70 full members and 9 ordinary members) of the Hong Kong Society of Rheumatology. The aim is to inquire about the use of MSUS by rheumatologists, their views on the future development of MSUS training and service in Hong Kong. Results 28 (35%) out of 79 members responded to the questionnaire (including 25 fellows and 3 trainees working in public hospitals and private sector). 25 responders (89.3%; 25/28) were using MSUS in their daily practice for making diagnoses, guiding interventions or follow-up disease. Although 90% (25/28) of the responders’ institutes provided the MSUS service by the Radiology Department, 70% of them got long waiting time, and the Radiology Department did not provide the MSUS service to every joint region. Despite the widespread use of MSUS among rheumatologists, more than 90% of the responders could only do less than 10 scans per week. Lack of time and manpower, lack of expertise, high cost of equipment, and lack of support for training were important obstacles in developing the MSUS service. 18 (64%) responders in our survey tended to agree that MSUS training should be incorporated in the rheumatology training. Conclusions In conclusion, this is the first survey demonstrating the current state of the use of MSUS in Hong Kong and a huge growth in demand for the service development and formal training in MSUS. A number of challenges in terms of lack of time and manpower, lack of expertise, high cost of equipment, and lack of support for training is evident.