The role of the sonologist in a sonographer‐based practice

Ramsay, Philippa A; Fracchia, Carla A

doi:10.1046/j.1440-1673.1999.00616.x

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Sonographers who work in privately owned obstetrician-run specialty practices have more departmental policies in place and more obstetrician support and had training in delivering adverse outcomes. This finding is consistent with a study by Ramsay and Fracchia 42 showing that obstetricians work as a team with sonographers and have a high level of involvement with their patients.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Factors that Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia

Thomas

O’Loughlin

Clark

2020

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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Objective: To identify factors influencing sonographers’ practices in communicating adverse obstetric findings and to understand their views on the need for standardized national policies and guidelines. Methods: Qualified and trainee sonographers who currently perform obstetric sonography were invited to complete a survey through the Australasian Sonographers Association. Closed-ended questions sought information on the demographic profile of the participants and their experiences on a range of issues related to workplace practices and policies. Open-ended questions allowed respondents to elaborate on workplace interactions and their views on the communication roles of sonologists (radiologists and obstetricians) and sonographers. Results: The practice setting, the background of the sonologist, the type of adverse finding, and the trimester in which a patient is scanned have an impact on the level of difficulty for sonographers in obstetric communication. These findings highlight a lack of uniformity of sonographer and sonologist communication with patients due to limited training, lack of formalized departmental policies, inadequate support, and communication practices by radiologists. As a result, respondents strongly supported the development of a standardized national policy. Conclusion: In the current environment of patient-centered care, sonographers are in a challenging position as they do not have policies supporting them as independent health care professionals, autonomously deciding on the best approach to communicate findings with their patients. This may lead to anxiety and stress if they lack control over the interaction. More support from sonologists in a radiology setting is needed. These findings should encourage professional bodies to address these issues by working collaboratively and to recognize the importance of the sonographers’ role and their unique position with pregnant patients.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Factors that Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia

Thomas

O’Loughlin

Clark

2020

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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“…All healthcare professionals, including sonographers and sonologists, should have input into decisions on obstetric ultrasound communication policies and protocols. Collaboration and teamwork are required by a sonographer and their reporting sonologist to avoid stress and burden on both …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sonographers’ communication in obstetrics: Challenges to their professional role and practice in Australia

Thomas

O’Loughlin

Clark

2019

Australas J Ultrason Med

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Introduction/Purpose: Despite the clinical importance of patient-centred care in the sonographer/patient interaction in obstetric ultrasound, there has been very little current research in Australia on sonographer and sonologist communication practices in the event of an adverse finding. This study sought the views, experiences and practices of Australian sonographers, particularly in relation to adverse findings, with consideration of the implications for their professional role and practice. Methods: Qualified and trainee sonographers who perform obstetric ultrasound were invited to complete a survey through the Australasian Sonographers Association. Using qualitative methodology, the authors developed themes on a range of issues related to sonographer and sonologist communication practices and roles from responses to three open-ended questions within the survey. Result: Analysis of 249 responses revealed three distinct 'Communicator types'. 'Open Communicators' confidently practice open and direct communication; 'Limited Communicators' perceived barriers preventing them from openly communicating; 'Variable Communicators' indicated various challenging 'grey areas' which created inconsistent communication practices. Variables, such as the complexity of an adverse finding and a reporting sonologist's role, attitude and level of control they exercised over sonographer communication, all influenced respondents' communication practices. Respondents believed professional bodies should agree on a standardised policy regarding sonographers' roles.Discussion: This paper highlights the complexity of the sonographer/patient interaction and outlines the difficulty in providing true patient-centred care in obstetric ultrasound. Conclusion: The need for a collaborative, patient-focussed policy, which defines and recognises the role of the sonographer in the event of obstetric adverse findings, will improve the current model of care.

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“…However, in metropolitan locations, it is more common for several sonographers to work concurrently with a sonologist and, in most cases, the sonologist and sonographer are reliant on each other's skills and expertise. 8 In Australia, the official report must be completed by a sonologist who is a physician specifically trained and qualified in ultrasound; in the case of obstetric examinations, it can be an obstetrician or radiologist. 9,10 According to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), the role of the sonologist and sonographer is clearly defined:…”

Section: Sonographers In Australiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Sonographers’ level of autonomy in communication in Australian obstetric settings: Does it affect their professional identity?

2020

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Introduction Unlike the United Kingdom, policies in Australia prevent sonographers from exercising autonomy in their level of communication with pregnant patients in the event of adverse findings. The organisational structure makes the sonographer dependent on the sonologist because sonographers do not have the authority to provide the official report. The emotional labour on sonographers is increased as they struggle to provide patient-centred care, given the limits put on their communication during the ultrasound examination. The aim of this study was to explore Australian sonographers’ views on communicating adverse findings, including their level of autonomy in communicating with patients and how this influences their sense of professional identity. Methods Following a national survey, seven purposively selected participants, who were qualified to perform obstetric ultrasound examinations, completed follow-up interviews. The interviews were thematically analysed with iterative comparison to the survey results. Three case studies show sonographers differed in their ‘communicator type’ due to geographical location and workplace setting. Results The case studies illustrate a sonographer’s communication role, and level of autonomy is negotiated/renegotiated depending on the needs and expectations of each workplace. Their communication practices varied due to the sonologist (radiologist/obstetrician) policy on sonographer/patient communication, presence and support in the clinical setting. A strong professional identity and level of autonomy came from the construction of attributes that were built over time based on multiple factors, including previous experience, geographical location, critical incidents, training and supportive work environments. Conclusion The sonography profession demands autonomy and a strong professional identity free of hierarchical barriers within a collaborative model of care.

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The role of the sonologist in a sonographer‐based practice

Cited by 4 publications

References 5 publications

Factors that Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia

Factors that Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia

Sonographers’ communication in obstetrics: Challenges to their professional role and practice in Australia

Sonographers’ level of autonomy in communication in Australian obstetric settings: Does it affect their professional identity?

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