The ultrasound centre as a medically and economically relevant alternative- a report of the Regensburg experience

In most medical centres, ultrasonography is performed independently by seve ral departments. In october 1997, the University hospital of Regensburg fou nded an ultrasound centre, integrating surgical and medical departments as well as the institutes for radiology and nuclear medicine. The aims of this centre were the concentration of organization, machines, financial ressour ces, manpower and know-how, standardized training and quality, and strength ening of interdisciplinary cooperation in clinic, medical education and res earch. Booking, standardized reports and a joint archivation of reports are assisted by a collective computer system. Most examinations in the centre are performed by three all-day present gastroenterology, surgery and radiol ogy residents who are supported by licensed sonographers of the other depar tments. Training is standardized, and the certification for ultrasound exam inations is acquired after a test with theoretical and practical parts. The integration of various departments in the ultra-sound on-call service has led to significant savings. The pool of ultrasound machines is used jointly , department-specific ressources for new machines have been put together. W e are convinced that this way of a close interdisciplinary cooperation will result in improvements in quality, utilization of financial ressources and clinical research.