The application and demand of musculoskeletal ultrasound in Chinese rheumatologists: comparisons between 2011 and 2015

Objective Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is helpful in the diagnosis and therapeutic effect evaluation of rheumatic diseases. It was widely used in developed countries and regions. However the application of MSUS in China was limited. This study was performed to describe and compare the application and demand of MSUS in China between 2011 and 2015. Methods Three hundred and fifty and 467 questionnaires were randomly distributed at the Chinese Rheumatology Association Annual Meeting in 2011 and 2015. Statistical analyses were performed using t test and Chi-square test. P values less than 0.05 were considered stastically significant. Results Three hundred and nineteen and 459 of questionnaires were completed. More respondents used MSUS for patient management in 2015 than in 2011 [(78.0% vs 60.5%, χ2=27.873, P<0.01]. In addition, more rheumatologists indicated that they perform MSUS by themselves in 2015 than in 2011 (22.2% vs 6.3%, χ2=26.223, P<0.01). 98.7% of the respondents in 2011 agreed that MSUS play a crucial role in clinical practice which was comparable to 2015(99.8%). Most of them expected to learn and master this skill (88.1% in 2011 and 87.1% in 2015). Lack of training was the principal reason for limited use of MSUS in China. In addition, rheumatologists expressed that they did not have enough time to learn and practice MSUS and did not have plenty of money to buy the ultrasound machines. Conclusion Although the application of MSUS in Chinese rheumatologists is limited, the number us users are increased gradually. Most of them have realized the value of MSUS. The most important reason to restrict the use of MSUS is lack of training. So it is meaningful to promote the standard training of MSUS in China. Key words: Musculoskeletal ultrasound; Chinese rheumatologists; Application; Demand