Current echocardiography practice in Serbia - a national survey by the Echocardiographic Society of Serbia
2020
Introduction/Objective. The purpose of the Echocardiographic Society of
Serbia (ECHOS) national survey was to assess current echocardiography
practice in Serbia, the availability of different echocardiographic
techniques and self-perceived need for improvement at personal and
institutional level. Methods. A survey comprising 20 questions about
demographics, numbers and distribution of echocardiographic equipment and
techniques, image acquisition and reporting standards as well as future
educational preferences was sent to all ECHOS members via email. Results. A
total of 106 members (42%) answered the survey. Echocardiographic
examinations are most frequently performed by cardiologists and internal
medicine specialists. Transoesophageal (TOE), stress (SECHO) and speckle
tracking echocardiography (SpTE) are available in approximately 20% of
centers, three-dimensional echocardiography in 11%, while contrast
echocardiography is practiced in only two centers. Less than a third of
respondents always attach electrocardiographic electrodes and archive
examinations. Almost all respondents (96%), always evaluate both systolic
and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV), although systolic LV
function is frequently assessed (55%) using non-standard methods. The newer
echocardiographic machines are more often available at university than
non-university centers (87 versus 44%, p < 0.01). Stress echocardiography
was perceived as the most needed technique at the institutional level, while
SpTE and TOE were most often reported personal aspirations of the
respondents. Conclusion. Advanced techniques, SECHO and TOE are needed but
rarely performed outside the university hospitals in Serbia. In order to
achieve a better adherence to standards of practice in echocardiography, the
development of national guidelines and personal and laboratory accreditation
seem warranted.
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