Abstract
In this study, we examined how pediatricians use abdominal ultrasonography and the educational
problems associated with this technique for pediatricians in Japan. A simple questionnaire was
distributed at the 2004 prefectural meetings of the Ibaraki and Tochigi chapters of the Japan Pediatric
Society. Of the pediatricians who replied to the questionnaire, 38, 47 and 14% reported using abdominal
ultrasonography often, sometimes, and never, respectively. Forty-two percent of those who use
abdominal ultrasonography perform the procedure themselves; the rates were high among respondents
in their thirties and forties, and the rates were highest in private practice and lowest in university
hospitals and children’s hospitals. Intussusception, fatty liver, and hydronephrosis can be diagnosed
by the pediatricians themselves, while diagnoses of appendicitis and diseases of the reproductive
system are difficult. Fifty-eight percent of the pediatricians who do not perform abdominal
ultrasonography themselves had no chance to learn how to use the technique. The pediatricians wish
to learn abdominal ultrasound from publications, seminars, and guidance by specialists. New trials of
publications and seminars are currently ongoing and the development of a system to facilitate learning
from specialists is needed.
Key words: Education, pediatrician, ultrasonography.
