The characteristics of Greek training and experience in pulmonary endoscopic techniques: Is it time for changes?

SUMMARY.OBJECTIVES. This study aimed to report the characteristics of thetraining in pulmonary endoscopy provided in Greece and to evaluatequantitive and qualitive parameters of interventional endoscopyperformance among Greek pneumonologists. METHOD. A speciallydesigned questionnaire was completed by 171 specialists and fellowsin pulmonology and the responses were analyzed. RESULTS. An agedifference in endoscopic skills was observed; 97% of the respondentsaged <50 years had been trained in flexible bronchoscopy, comparedwith 86% of those aged >50 years (p=0.016). In spite of a high rateof training, 65% of respondents reported performing less than 50bronchoscopies per year. In addition, 21% were familiar with thetechnique of transbronchial needle aspiration (ΤΒΝΑ), but only 19%of them performed over 30 procedures per year. Other advanceddiagnostic techniques including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS),auto-fluorescence and medical thoracoscopy are performed by asmall minority of pulmonologists while therapeutic techniques (i.e.rigid bronchoscopy, electrocautery, cryotherapy and laser therapy)by very few (5-12%). The majority of respondents would welcomeadditional training, not only in advanced interventional techniquesbut also in standard bronchoscopy; 94% agreed that they wouldbenefit from the publication of practice guidelines on endoscopictechniques, and 71% supported the instruction in endoscopy ofall pulmonologists during their fellowship. CONCLUSIONS. Theendoscopic training provided to Greek pneumonologists could beimproved considerably and initiatives should be taken in order toupgrade and unify both the teaching of endoscopic techniques andthe services provided. Pneumon 2011, 24(1):48-55.