Sonographers’ experiences of being a caring professional within private practice in the province of Gauteng

Abstract

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.

Burnout in the sonographic environment: The identification and exploration of the causes of sonographer burnout and strategies for prevention and control

“…To some extent, doctors are able to manage these feelings by following a staged delivery of adverse news including setting expectations and adjusting demeanours in order to indicate that the conversation will be about adverse news 24 . Sonographers are unable to do the same due to short appointment times and ambiguous protocols 10,15,20,23 …”

“…On an operative level, peer support is considered the most effective method for sonographers to reduce burnout as it provides both emotional and professional support amongst individuals who share the same experiences 15,20,32 . Reflective practice could be undertaken individually or amongst peers/mentors could in reduce burnout 11,15,22,23 . Other burnout control techniques include, ‘Mindfulness’, a type of meditation, which allows the participant to be aware of their surroundings, feelings and thoughts without judgement; and exercise which was proven to be effective in reducing PA and EE burnout 7,33 .…”

“… 11,15,20–23 According to Hardicre et al the detection of adverse findings during examinations triggered difficult emotional and physical reactions in sonographers 15 . Finding an abnormality during obstetric scans often caused anxiety, and deciding on whether or how to deliver adverse news to patients caused personal turmoil 11,23 . Additional stressors including sonographers managing their responses, whilst avoiding indications of a problem to patients, revealing too much information 15,20 .…”

“…In addition, more time spent informing the patient about the ultrasound procedure prior to the scan, and managing patient interactions post‐adverse news delivery will further remove the apprehension around the process, particularly at obstetrics clinics 15,20,22,25 . Another challenge associated with burnout is the emotional cost to the sonographer when adverse patient outcomes are experienced 11,15,20–23 …”

“…Exposure to adverse news was one of the most common causes of burnout identified in the literature (Table 1). 11,15,[20][21][22][23] According to Hardicre et al the detection of adverse findings during examinations triggered difficult emotional and physical reactions in sonographers. 15 Finding an abnormality during obstetric scans often caused anxiety, and deciding on whether or how to deliver adverse news to patients caused personal turmoil.…”