Utilization of quantitative electroencephalogram in China: an online questionnaire survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) is a tool that uses a computer to analyze brain activity monitored by electroencephalogram (EEG) according to measurements such as frequency, amplitude, and slope. The purpose of this study was to understand the current situation of QEEG utilization in China and further compare the situations among different regions and different levels of hospitals. Methods An online questionnaire comprising 14 questions was designed. Statistical description and analysis were made for the results of the questionnaire survey. Results A total of 158 people from 134 medical institutions participated in the survey. The participants came from 21 provinces, accounting for 61.76% (21/34) of the 34 provincial administrative regions in China. The Eastern China region accounted for 66.42% (89/134) of all the medical institutions that participated in this survey. Among the institutions surveyed, QEEG was routinely used in only 23.88% (32/134) of them. Among the medical institutions in which QEEG was routinely used, 87.50% (28/32) of them were 3A-grade hospitals. Among the institutions with routine use of QEEG, 56.25% (18/32) were affiliated hospitals of medical schools. There was a significant difference in the utilization of QEEG between the 3A-grade and non-3A-grade hospitals (P = 0.040) and between the hospitals affiliated to medical schools and those non-affiliated to medical schools (P = 0.020). Conclusions The utilization of QEEG is still limited in China. There are differences in the use of QEEG among different hospitals and regions.

Keywords

• Quantitative electroencephalogram
• Continuous electroencephalogram
• Questionnaire online
• Seizure detection