Neurosonology Survey in Europe and Beyond

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; education; neurosonology; standards; survey.

Fig. 1

Neurosonology questionnaire: set of questions asked of each survey participant.

Fig. 2

Countries surveyed and percentage of respondents.

Fig. 3

Answers to questions 1-3 of the survey.

Fig. 4

Answers to questions 4-5 of the survey.

Fig. 5

Answers to questions 6-7 of the survey.

Fig. 6

Answers to survey questions 1 to 7 for each participating country. Light blue response: no/no/no/nobody/none/nobody/none. Yellow response: optional/optional/yes, but part of a larger society/larger society/certified practice only/other society/certified neurosonologist and appropriate equipment. Red response: compulsory/compulsory/yes and independent/neurosonology society/certified practice and formal exam/neurosonology society/certified neurosonologists, appropriate equipment, teaching activities and research activities.