Assessment of Current Practices and Emerging Trends: A Pilot Survey of the Thyroid Disease Committee of the Sichuan Medical Association

Background: The Thyroid Disease Committee of the Sichuan Medical Association (TDCSMA) conducted a periodic survey to assess the current state of thyroid-related treatment practices in Sichuan Province. Methods A comprehensive 40-question survey was distributed to 44 thyroid-related departments across the hospitals in Sichuan province. Data collection took place from June 15th to June 30th. Results The hospitals surveyed are mainly situated in the eastern plains of Sichuan. Of these hospitals, 52.27% have 31–60 beds, and 54.55% of the departments are staffed by 5–10 doctors. Most doctors were born between 1990 and 2000. In terms of specialization, 75% of the surveyed departments have doctors majored in thyroid and breast, 47.73% in general surgery, and 6.82% each in otolaryngology and vascular surgery. The survey respondents have diverse years of training before entering practice: 27.27% have 2–3 years, 31.82% have 3–4 years, and 20.45% have 4–5 years. Thyroid cancer accounts for 100% of the responses, followed by thyroid adenoma (90.91%) and thyroid cyst (81.82%). Regarding thyroid surgery, 54.54% of the departments perform 100–500 open thyroid surgeries annually, and 72.73% conduct more than 10 endoscopic-assisted thyroid surgeries each year. With the implementation of China's medical insurance reform in 2023, 52.27% of the hospitals adjust prices for thyroid surgery. Additionally, 52.27% of the departments report that their doctors work over 50 hours per week, and the overall career satisfaction rate is 75% (very satisfied or satisfied). Moreover, 34.09% of department heads report a decrease in average patient intake from 2020 to 2023, while the operative volume increased for 72.73% of the surveyed departments in the past 12 months. Conclusions The data provides a comprehensive and current overview of the thyroid-related departments, covering medical status, disease distribution, case and operative volume, and career satisfaction. The findings indicate a relative imbalance in the allocation of medical resources for thyroid diseases within Sichuan Province.