A survey of current procedural practices of Australian and New Zealand nephrologists.

The aim of this study was to describe the range and extent of current procedural practices of Nephrologists and trainees in Australia and New Zealand with a specific focus on renal biopsy. A web-based survey was constructed based on a 2009 pilot survey conducted by the authors. The survey was distributed by email. A total of 118 responses were received from 60 centers, including six pediatric centers; Nephrologists or trainees performed the following procedures: urine microscopy 36.4%; diagnostic ultrasound 10.2%; renal biopsy 93.2%; simple vascath insertion 64.4%; cuffed vascath insertion 22%; peritoneal catheter insertion 16.9%; fistula ultrasound 20.3%; and fistulography 5%. Trainees performed most renal biopsies (67.8% of respondents) and real-time ultrasound was the commonest technique (97%). The majority of respondents believe that renal biopsy is an essential skill for trainees (78.8%); 10-25 biopsies are required for trainee proficiency (59.3%); an online training module would assist in teaching renal biopsies (67.8%). Cuffed catheter insertion and fistulography were more often performed in nonmetropolitan than in metropolitan centers. Procedures are part of Australian and New Zealand Nephrology, including specialized procedures in a minority of centers. Vascular access procedures are more common in nonmetropolitan centers. Renal biopsy is an important skill, considered essential for trainees by most.