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Kraus B, Harrison G, Santos R, Vils Pedersen MR. Ultrasound education across European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) countries: Similarities and differences. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:715-722. [PMID: 38428195 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound education varies greatly across European healthcare systems. This paper focuses on ultrasound academic education as a part of wider suite of surveys on radiographers working in ultrasound. The aim was to investigate sonography educational levels, methods of training, course duration and other factors in European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) member countries. METHOD In 2019 an online survey was sent to the 38 EFRS member societies to distribute to higher education institutions within their own country. The survey was in English and contained different types of questions such as closed questions, free text options, and scale responses, to investigate sonography education including academic course types and duration, curriculum content, learning and teaching methods. RESULTS A total of 45 responses were received, showing wide variation in the duration of training between the respective countries. Academic level 7 (part-time) ultrasound education was most frequently reported (n = 13), followed by direct entry ultrasound courses (n = 9) and bachelor's degree programmes at EQF level 6 (n = 7). The duration of part-time courses ranged from nine months up to four years. CONCLUSION Sonography training and education varies among EFRS member countries ranging from short focused courses to postgraduate awards. Few countries offer sonography education leading to an award. The majority of clinical teaching and learning takes place in the learner's workplace. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE High quality academic and clinical education for radiographers extending their role into ultrasound is important to ensure safe, effective sonography practice and good patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kraus
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, Radiological Technology, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Favoritenstrasse 226, A-1100 Vienna, Austria.
| | - G Harrison
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, the Netherlands; Society and College of Radiographers, 207 Providence Square Mill Street, London SE1 2EW, UK; School of Health and Psychological Sciences. City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK
| | - R Santos
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, the Netherlands; Medical Imaging Radiotherapy Department, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Rue 5 de Outubro, 3046-854, Portugal
| | - M R Vils Pedersen
- European Federation of Radiographer Societies, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Hospital Southern Denmark, Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital, Beriderbakken 4, 7100 Vejle, Denmark; University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Regional Health, Campusvej 55, Odense, Denmark
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Won D, Walker J, Horowitz R, Bharadwaj S, Carlton E, Gabriel H. Sound the Alarm: The Sonographer Shortage is Echoing Across Healthcare. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 38534218 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The growth in ultrasound usage necessitates concurrent growth in the number of sonographers. Despite the increasing importance of ultrasound, there is a shortage of sonographers in the United States that has never been specifically quantified. This study examines recent trends in the number of ultrasound exams, sonography graduates, open sonographer positions, and wages. METHODS This retrospective study uses public databases and surveys including the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and Zippia, a human resources platform to determine metrics. These metrics include the number of ultrasound exams conducted in the United States (excluding inpatient setting), number of sonographers and sonographer wages, sonography graduates, and open sonographer positions. RESULTS Ultrasound exams in the United States from 2011 to 2021 increased from 38.6 million to 59.8 million (+55.1%,) while the number of sonographers (2011-2021) increased from 54,760 to 78,640 (+43.6%). There was a significant difference between supply and demand of sonographers with the number of sonography graduates (2011-2021) increasing from 4,386 to 5,393 (+23.0%) while the number of open sonographer positions (2012-2021) increased from 18,462 to 25,162 (+36.3%). CONCLUSIONS From 2011 to 2021, the increase in the number of ultrasound exams has significantly outpaced the increase in the number of sonographers. Furthermore, the increase in demand for sonographers has grown significantly faster than the supply, leading to a shortage and consequent strain on the healthcare system. To address the shortage, the number of sonography school openings should be increased, and the attendant challenges addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Won
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James Walker
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Russ Horowitz
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sandeep Bharadwaj
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Edward Carlton
- School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Helena Gabriel
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Pedersen MRV, Kraus B, Santos R, Harrison G. Sonographers' perspectives on research - A worldwide online questionnaire study. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:483-491. [PMID: 38219390 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has been performed by sonographers (also known as ultrasound reporting radiographers) for many years for improving diagnosis of disease, developing new imaging approaches, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite this, sonographers' perspectives on research have not been well studied. To understand the views of sonographers is essential, as they have an important role in the successful implementation of research outcomes during their daily work. The study aimed to explore sonographers' perspectives on research. METHODS This cross-sectional online questionnaire was developed, and pilot tested, before distribution on social media platforms by the research group to sonographers or reporting radiographers in ultrasound worldwide. The questionnaire included 21-items. The link was open for 8 weeks in the spring of 2023. A mix of closed, open and scale questions were used. Informed consent was mandatory, and information about the study and anonymity was presented. RESULTS A total of 165 sonographers participated in the questionnaire of which 66.1 % were from Europe (n = 109), 6.1 % from North America (n = 10), 0.6 % from South America (n = 1), 2.4 % from Asia (n = 4), 13.3 % from Africa (n = 22) and 11.5 % from Oceania (n = 19). A total of 32 % of the participants had performed research. Also, 68.5 % would like to become more involved in research. CONCLUSION Most sonographers work in large hospitals, and half of them have obtained academic level 7 education. A limited number of sonographers have published peer reviewed papers. Many sonographers expressed an interest in research. This suggests a potential for future development of the sonographers' role in research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The findings for this study provide insight that could be used to improve research practice for sonographers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R V Pedersen
- Department of Radiology, Vejle Hospital - Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Kolding Hospital- Part of Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Rue Marechal Teixeira Rebelo 425, 5030-058 Cumiera, Portugal.
| | - B Kraus
- Department of Health Sciences, Radiological Technology, University of Applied Sciences FH Campus Wien, Favoritenstrasse 226, A-1100 Vienna, Austria; European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Rue Marechal Teixeira Rebelo 425, 5030-058 Cumiera, Portugal
| | - R Santos
- Medical Imaging Radiotherapy Department, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, Rue 5 de Outubro, 3046-854, Portugal; Laboratory for Applied Health Research ((LabinSaúde), Coimbra 3046-854, Portugal; European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Rue Marechal Teixeira Rebelo 425, 5030-058 Cumiera, Portugal
| | - G Harrison
- Society and College of Radiographers, 207 Providence Square Mill Street, London SE1 2EW, UK; European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Rue Marechal Teixeira Rebelo 425, 5030-058 Cumiera, Portugal
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Reeve R, Higginson A, Ball C, Beable R, Smith M. Role extension in advanced ultrasound practice: A framework approach and case study. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2023; 31:4-10. [PMID: 36794119 PMCID: PMC9923144 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x221102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Role extension into novel areas of ultrasound practice can be challenging for health care professionals. Expansion into existing areas of advanced practice typically occurs using established processes and accredited training; however, in areas where there is no formal training, there can be a lack of support for how to develop new and progressive clinical roles. Topic Description This article presents how the use of a framework approach for establishing areas of advanced practice can support individuals and departments with safely and successfully developing new roles in ultrasound. The authors illustrate this via the example of a gastrointestinal ultrasound role, developed in an NHS department. Discussion The framework approach comprises three elements, each interdependent upon and inform each other: (A) Scope of practice, (B) Education and competency and (C) Governance. (A) Defines (and communicates) the role extension and area(s) of subsequent ultrasound imaging, interpretation and reporting. By identifying the why, how and what is required this informs (B) the education and assessment of competency for those taking on new roles or areas of expertise. (C) Is informed by (A) and is an ongoing process of quality assurance to safeguard high standards in clinical care. In supporting role extension, this approach can facilitate new workforce configurations, skill expansion and enable increasing service demands to be met. Summary By defining and aligning the components of scope of practice, education/competency and governance, role development in ultrasound can be initiated and sustained. Role extension utilising this approach brings benefits for patients, clinicians and departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Reeve
- Portsmouth University Hospital NHS
trust, Portsmouth, UK,University of Southampton, Southampton,
UK,Ruth Reeve, Portsmouth University Hospital
NHS trust, Portsmouth PO6 3LY, UK.
| | | | | | - Richard Beable
- Portsmouth University Hospital NHS
trust, Portsmouth, UK
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Edwards C, Thoirs K, Osborne B, Slade D, McDonald S, Lombardo P, Chandler A, Quinton A, Stoodley P, Taylor L, Childs J. Australian sonographer competency—A new framework. SONOGRAPHY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/sono.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Edwards
- School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Kerry Thoirs
- Allied Health and Human Performance University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Brooke Osborne
- Allied Health and Human Performance University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Debbie Slade
- Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine Chatswood New South Wales Australia
| | - Sandra McDonald
- Allied Health and Human Performance University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine Chatswood New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul Lombardo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Amanda Chandler
- Faculty of Science and Health Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie New South Wales Australia
| | - Ann Quinton
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences Central Queensland University Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School Nepean The University of Sydney Penrith New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul Stoodley
- Blacktown Clinical School and Research Centre, School of Medicine Western Sydney University Blacktown New South Wales Australia
| | - Lucy Taylor
- The Australian Institute of Healthcare Education St Leonards New South Wales Australia
| | - Jessie Childs
- Allied Health and Human Performance University of South Australia Adelaide South Australia Australia
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