Disclosing a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis in an Era of Immediate Electronic Result Release: A National Survey of Endosonographers

Authors

• Samuel Tanner
• Fiyinfoluwa Abraham
• Merrick Bay
• R Tomas DaVee
• Daryl Ramai
• Seth A Gross
• Truptesh Kothari
• Veeral M Oza
• Somashekar G Krishna
• Jorge D Machicado

Publication Date

11-20-2025

Journal

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

DOI

10.1016/j.gie.2025.11.028

PMID

41274357

Abstract

Background and aims: There are limited data in how U.S.-based endosonographers disclose pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnoses to patients. Therefore, we conducted a survey study across endosonographers to assess practice patterns, evaluate knowledge gaps and challenges, and explore perceptions of federal regulations that mandate immediate release of test results through electronic portals.

Methods: A 29-item electronic survey was distributed to 684 U.S.-based endosonographers between October and November 2024.

Results: One hundred sixteen endosonographers participated (17% response rate). Endosonographers often deliver PDAC diagnoses via phone calls (75%), of 6 to 10 minutes (60%), and without following published protocols (81%). One-third of endosonographers believe more training is needed to deliver bad news. Most work in practices where results are immediately released (60%), which creates clinician dissatisfaction (65%) and frustration (57%).

Conclusions: Endosonographers face communication and training challenges when delivering PDAC diagnoses. Strategies are needed to support endosonographers and minimize the negative impact of immediate test result release.

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Tanner, Samuel; Abraham, Fiyinfoluwa; Bay, Merrick; et al., "Disclosing a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis in an Era of Immediate Electronic Result Release: A National Survey of Endosonographers" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 3556.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/3556