Radiographers in ultrasound: Motivation and role expansion. A survey of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)

Sonographers' perspectives on research - A worldwide online questionnaire study

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.

Ultrasound education across European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) countries: Similarities and differences

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.

Unveiling the landscape: Investigating education, skills, job description, and challenges in sonography professions and framework development

INTRODUCTION

This paper discusses the current medical sonographer status in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The paper explores the current education, skills, job description, and challenges towards developing sonography professions and a sonographer framework.

METHODS

The study employed a quantitative descriptive research approach using a cross-sectional study design to collect and analyse data from sonographers in the UAE. Data was collected through a structured survey that included sections addressing demographic information, education, skills, current practices, and challenges.

RESULTS

The data showed a relatively even distribution across different age groups, with a higher proportion falling in the 31-40 age range. Females constitute a slightly higher percentage (55.9 %) than males (44.1 %). The study found that sonographers have the necessary skills and knowledge to interpret the scan results and provide a formal report. A significant percentage of participants taught ultrasound to others and participated in research activities. The survey responses indicate difficulty in reporting sonograms.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that sonographers possess the necessary expertise and skills to pass on their knowledge to trainees and colleagues. The participants expressing a desire to increase their knowledge and skills indicate that sonographers recognised that continuous professional development is crucial for staying updated with advancements in the field. The participant's "Advanced Practitioners" title recommendation suggests a desire for professional recognition, career progression, and specialisations in sonography. Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is important for providing quality patient care.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

The paper emphasises the importance of recognising sonography as a vital healthcare profession. It aims to raise awareness about the crucial role of sonographers in patient care. The study also stresses the need for a well-defined career progression framework to guide professional growth and acknowledgement.

Evidence of expert clinical practice among nuclear medicine non-medical staff: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review concerns expertclinical practice (ECP) by nuclear medicine practitioners (NMP), encompassing radiographers, technologists and nurses. ECP is typically demonstrated by clinical skills with higher levels of autonomy and responsibility traditionally fulfilled by physicians. The Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) framework by Health Education England (2017) specifies ECP as one aspect of advanced role progression. This scoping review aims to identify and categorise the extent and type of the existing NMP ECP evidence to support the establishment of Nuclear Medicine ACP.

METHODS

PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Ovid Medline were searched for peer-reviewed literature published between 2001 and 2021 using extended and advanced practice as key terms alongside nuclear medicine and each NMP profession. Due to the sparsity of results, conference abstracts from prominent international societies were also searched. Studies were independently reviewed and graded for inclusion by four NMP.

RESULTS

Of the 36 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 80.6% were conference abstracts and 66.7% were single-centres studies. Commonly reported NM ECP activities included image interpretation, cardiac stressing and therapies. Less reported activities include ordering complementary diagnostic procedures, invasive procedures and physical examinations. The United Kingdom presented itself at the forefront of NMP ECP publications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates evidence of NMP ECP across a variety of clinical roles. The dominance of conference abstracts highlights NMP ECP as an emerging area of role extension and a potential preference for information dissemination by NMP. Greater research into specific NMP ECP activities is required particularly studies of greater sample size and robusticity.

Role extension in advanced ultrasound practice: A framework approach and case study

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.