Image and report quality in non-obstetric ultrasound examinations undertaken by sonographers: Results of an audit of 3731 cases

Abstract

Introduction

This paper reports the results of a rolling audit of sonographer-performed non-obstetric ultrasound examinations undertaken between 2010 and 2020 in a large University Teaching Hospital Ultrasound Department in the United Kingdom. We believe that this represents the largest published audit of sonographer non-obstetric ultrasound examination quality.

Methods

Random samples of sonographer ultrasound examinations were regularly and systematically audited by consultant-level ultrasound practitioners through review of soft copy images and reports. Examination and report quality were assessed against an internal audit standard in 3731 patients over an 11-year period and also against externally set audit standards in 3186 patients over a nine-year period.

Results

Both image and report quality exceeded externally set audit standards in all nine years of audit. In the internal audit, the quality standard just failed to be met for the first five years of audit but was achieved in all the subsequent six years.

Conclusion

This audit provides further information on the quality and safety of sonographer-led ultrasound service delivery within a service that has quality safeguards, readily available support and an active education programme. It is used not only to provide assurance to patients, clinicians, managers and commissioners of this service but also to direct individual professional development and drive an iterative process of quality improvement.