In Italy primary care physicians, called "medico di base", do not have and do not use this important diagnostic tool. Consequently, Department of emergency and acceptation (DEA), known as ER in USA/ Pronto soccorso in italy, are always full and overcrowded.
Do you think that could be a good idea to provide medical studies with ecographs and to update physicians about its use?
In my country (Spain) primary care physicians do not have this tool in their clinics. It´s non invasive, cost-effective, and easy to handle. I totally agree with you.
Dear Kevork, can you tell us if the doctors that use it have a better feedback from patients?
Nothing other than anecdotal, no high level evidence. I can only say that patients in my part of England (27 miles from hospital) appreciate it just as they appreciate the fact that, for example, we do minor surgery (excision of skin lesions, intra-articular joint injections) etc
In Finland, where the distances are long, primary care physicians quite frequently use ultrasonography, and some health districts have organized training
Thank you dear Kunnamo. I think that Finland has a so much better health care system than southern Europe, and what you just said is a clear example.