Bronchoscopic Training and Practice in Australia and New Zealand Is Inconsistent With Published Society Guidelines

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Australasian practice and training in bronchoscopy has not previously been reported and procedure volumes among Australasian respiratory consultants and trainees are unknown. We surveyed the current practice of flexible bronchoscopy in Australasia and determined adherence to published recommendations. METHODS: Adult physician and trainee members of the Thoracic Society of Australia New Zealand (TSANZ) were e-mailed a web-link to an online survey. Survey responses were benchmarked against TSANZ recommendations. RESULTS: The response rate was 42% overall and 78% among trainees. Forty-nine percent of consultants performed less than the recommended 50 procedures per year. Sixty p..