Abstract
Sonographers are by their very nature researcher-investigators. The early sonographers who pioneered the profession had to establish evidence-based measures to demonstrate the efficacy of the technology. Today, when an individual patient presents with symptoms or signs of a disease process, the sonographer typically considers a potential or likely cause (the hypothesis). For the suspected disease, there is an examination protocol to follow (methods). During the course of the examination, a number of images are acquired, many with specific anatomic measurements and Doppler-derived velocities (the data). The most important step occurs when the sonographer integrates his or her clinical fund of knowledge with the data acquired to make certain that all possible information has been obtained (the conclusion). This conclusion may support the original hypothesis (the suspected diagnosis is correct), it may disprove the original hypothesis and suggest an alternative (the diagnosis is not “A” but is more likely “B”), or it may not completely resolve the clinical question and suggest that additional evaluation, possibly with a different imaging modality, be done (further research is needed). From the patient’s perspective, options one and two are the most desirable. From the perspective of the scientific methodology followed, however, all three outcomes are valid.
The Sonography Research Institute (SRI) has been founded to extend this individual patient-based research practice to larger populations. Sonography as a profession is still relatively young in its evolution, and many important clinical questions have not been answered. The SRI has been set up to help sonographers provide some of these answers in a rigorous, scientific manner. It will start by identifying sonographers who are interested in pursuing a research project focused on a clinical problem or question important to the profession but do not have significant experience in designing or carrying out such projects. The SRI will provide the necessary infrastructure to assist, mentor, and encourage this group of sonographers to a successful completion of their research. Mentors will work closely with each sonographer for each step of the process over a two-year period, from posing the original research question through study design and data collection methods to analysis and publication of the results. Through the SRI, a number of powerful research tools will also be available, including help with literature searches, statistical design, receiving institutional review board approval for any human subjects involved in the project, and scientific writing skills.
This initial step is just the beginning of a building process to develop a strong interest and capability among sonographers to move the profession forward on a sound scientific basis. Looking at the longer term, if each “graduate” of the SRI then mentors two additional sonographers over a two-year research project, at the end of 10 years, there will be very nearly 1000 qualified, published sonographer-investigators. This small wave starting now has the potential to become a tsunami carrying the profession forward. Have a clinical question that could be answered through a research project? Interested in carrying out a research project, with strong support and help every step of the way? Care to contribute to the growth of our profession? Not sure how and where to start? Look for announcements about the Sonography Research Institute and go to www.sdms.org to find the online application—it is the first step you need to take on a rewarding, fulfilling journey.