Concordance analysis of ultrasonographic diagnoses by urology nurses.

OBJECTIVES To check the degree of concordance in renal ultrasound examination between two nurses and one experienced urologist with the aim of testing nurses' competence performing renal ultrasound. METHODS The echographic aspect of both kidneys (normal or abnormal) was evaluated. Every abnormal finding resulted in the automatic classification of the kidney as 'abnormal'. The agreement between observers was tested using the Kappa concordance index. RESULTS Eventually, 75 and 45 consecutive examinations performed by the urologist and nurse MM, and the urologist and nurse NJ, respectively, were evaluable. Overall, the study tested 120 patients. Prevalence of 'abnormal' kidneys was intermediate (28-36%). The overall agreement percentage exceeded 88% (88,8-92%). Kappa coefficient was always 0.7. CONCLUSIONS Urological ultrasound examination by qualified well-trained nurses provides records very similar to those delivered by an experienced urologist.