[Gastroenterology in Germany--determination of current status and perspectives. Results of a survey among members of the German Society of Digestive and Metabolic Diseases]. / Gastroenterologie in Deutschland--Standortbestimmung und Perspektiven. Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter Mitgliedern der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten.

UNLABELLED: The present survey carried out among the members of the German Society of Gastroenterology and Metabolism (GSGM) was intended 1. to provide information on a) age, professional experience and nature of present activities, b) the service spectrum, c) career prospects, and 2 to reflect the views of those questioned on a) the ability of non-gastroenterologists to furnish gastroenterological services, b) the performance of invasive procedures on an ambulatory basis, c) requirements to be met by gastroenterological training, d) quality assurance measures, and e) the public image of the specialty gastroenterology. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to the members of the GSGM, of whom 629 responded and whose questionnaires were evaluated. RESULTS: The median age of the responders was 48,2 years, median duration of professional activity was 15 years; 73% work in a hospital setting. Some 76-88% of those working in hospitals consider their future activities to be in the hospitals. Provided that strict, in part yet to be defined, specialty-related conditions are met, gastroenterological services can also be provided by non-gastroenterologists. Some 50% of the responders were against the performance of invasive endoscopic procedures on an ambulatory basis (e.g. EPT, lithotripsy, stent implantation). In the opinion of the majority, the number of doctors undergoing specialist training with the aim of becoming qualified gastroenterologists should not be limited. The majority of responders were also in favour of quality assurance measures as well as clinical research in this area. Almost three-quarters of the responding members of the GSGM perceived shortcomings in the public image of gastroenterology. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the results of the present survey indicate prospects for the future, but also a need for action in the field of the specialty gastroenterology.