Report on the Results of the Questionnaire Survey After Publication of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Intestinal Malrotation

Abstract

Purpose: The Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons Guidelines Committee conducted an online survey to assess the usage and awareness of the “Guidelines for the Treatment of Intestinal Malrotation.” On the basis of the results of the questionnaire survey and the evaluation results from Minds, future challenges were examined.

Method: The survey was conducted among members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons from June to September 2023. Minds evaluation was performed using The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II.

Results: Responses were received from 104 members (5.0% response rate). Regarding awareness and usage, 37.2% stated they were aware of the guidelines and used them, and 41.3% were aware and intended to use them. Awareness was higher among those with more years of experience and who have treated more cases. Concerning the impact of each CQ on treatment policy, 59.6–75.0% responded that the policy was the same as the guidelines, and 3.8–7.7% reported a shift in policy after the guidelines. However, 5.3–22.1% noted that the policy differs from the recommendation but remains unchanged, especially regarding laparoscopic surgery (CQ4-4). Although the overall evaluation by Minds was high at 83%, the participation of stakeholders such as patients and their families was low at 56%.

Conclusion: The survey indicates that the guidelines have partially achieved their goal of supporting the treatment of intestinal malrotation. However, challenges for future revisions were revealed, such as a discrepancy between the actual situation and the guideline’s recommendations regarding laparoscopic surgery, and low participation from stakeholders.