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Background Medical imaging has been driven by technological advancements. However, the concept of caring has now become a significant element in the healthcare profession. Within a South African context, there are principles that emphasise the importance of people and service delivery: the Batho Pele Principles and Ubuntu. Now more than ever, there is a greater need for a patient-centred caring environment. Therefore, there is an expectation for sonographers to be adaptive to this new environment. Aim The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the sonographers’ experiences of being caring professionals. Setting Sonographers who work within private practices in Gauteng were part of this study. Methods A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, contextual, phenomenological research design was used. Focus group interviews were conducted with qualified sonographers registered with the HPCSA. Thematic analysis was used to code data into themes and categories. Results Four themes emerged: the effects of a caring relationship between a sonographer and a patient; circumstances limiting a sonographer in being a caring professional; sonographers’ approach to caring; educational readiness of sonographers to be caring professionals. Conclusion The participants in this study explained and shared their understanding of being caring professionals. They shared many stories regarding trusting relationships with patients. However, as a caring professional, many challenges were encountered, both physically and emotionally. Recommendations such as reflective journals and the practices of Jean Watson’s theory of transpersonal caring are cited to focus on the practice and education that may improve caring among sonographers.

Hypertensive disorders represent the second most common cause of maternal death, affecting 5–10% of pregnancies worldwide and accounting for 19% of maternal deaths in South Africa. Pre-eclampsia is believed to develop from inadequate trophoblast invasion of the maternal spiral arteries. Doppler imaging permits non-invasive evaluation of the uteroplacental circulation and is invaluable in the management of high risk pregnancies.A prospective quantitative experimental study tested the hypothesis that uterine artery (UA) spectral Doppler screening is able to identify patients at risk for developing preeclampsia. Convenience sampling allowed for the recruitment of 144 patients (11–14 weeks gestation) who attended the antenatal clinic at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital between November 2008 and July 2010. A complete record of 121 participants was available for the final analysis.The results of this study revealed that 7 (5.8%) participants developed pre-eclampsia. Race was identified as the most significant independent variable with an odds ratio of 1.5; 26 and 9 to 1 for developing PET in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters respectively.Uterine Artery Doppler is promising. An ultrasound screening programme in high risk pregnant women would offer clinicians the opportunity to pre-empt the disease before it manifests clinically.

Background: Antenatal care is essential for all expectant mothers and assists in reducing maternal mortality rates thus addressing the Sustainable Development Goal 3. Obstetric ultrasound complements antenatal care and is used in pregnancy to identify and monitor high-risk pregnancies. However, disparities exist and in low- and middle-income countries, ultrasound services are not readily available. This contributes to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality within these populations. Short ultrasound training programmes for midwives can be beneficial in alleviating some of the challenges experienced.Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to identify global ultrasound education programmes for midwives.Method: Articles containing suitable keywords were retrieved from databases suitable to nursing, education and ultrasound. Themes were developed based on the articles included in the review.Results: A total of 238 articles were identified, and after the duplicates and irrelevant studies were removed, 22 articles were included. Articles were analysed and discussed under the identified themes and categories.Conclusion: It is essential that sufficient training is provided to medical professionals performing obstetric ultrasound so that adequate and safe care is offered to expectant mothers. With the introduction of ultrasound in low-resource settings, the knowledge of safety and competencies required to operate the equipment necessitate adequate training. Developed programmes have been found to meet the demands of the ever-changing workforce and allow for midwives to perform focused obstetric ultrasound examinations.Contribution: This scoping review highlighted ultrasound training programmes for midwives and provided guidance on the development of future midwifery ultrasound training programmes.