Abstract
Purpose To provide an overview on education, training, practice
requirements, and fields of application of neurosonology in Europe and
beyond.
Materials and Methods National representatives and experts in
neurosonology were surveyed regarding neurosonology requirements and practice in
their countries. Descriptive statistics were used to report the data.
Results Between February 1 and March 31, 2023, 42/46 (91.3%) national
representatives responded to our questionnaire and the completion rate was 100%.
Most countries (71.4%) offer a neurosonology training program during neurology
residency, but it is part of the undergraduate medical program only in 30.9%.
National certification is available in 47.6% of the countries surveyed and most
countries (76.2%) require certification to practice. In 50% of the countries,
candidates are assessed by a board examination, while in 26.2% they just need to
document their practice. There is no formal accreditation of neurosonology
centers in 78.6% of the countries surveyed. Only a few require certified
personnel and appropriate equipment. Adequate teaching and research activities
are only rarely necessary elements for laboratory accreditation.
Conclusion Our results indicate that there is a substantial need for
transnational harmonization of neurosonological standards to guarantee
uniformity and quality of performance. This survey will also provide guidance to
promote an international accrediting council and create a quality-controlled
laboratory network for implementing neurosonology in clinical trials.
Keywords
Europe - neurosonology - survey - education - standards
Bibliographical Record
Claudio Baracchini, Elsa Azevedo, Uwe Walter, João Sargento-Freitas, Branko Malojcic. Neurosonology Survey in Europe and Beyond. Ultrasound Int Open 2024; 10: a22439625.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2243-9625
