Abstract
Article: Factors That Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia
Authors: Samantha Thomas, AMS, Kate O’Loughlin, PhD, and Jillian Clarke, PhD
Category: OB/GYN [OB]
Credit: 0.75 SDMS CME Credit
Objectives: After studying the article entitled “Factors That Influence the Communication of Adverse Findings in Obstetrics: A Survey of Current Sonographer Practices in Australia,” you will be able to:
Understand what adverse findings consist of in obstetric sonography
Examine the factors that influence sonographers’ communication of adverse findings to their obstetric patients
Determine sonographers’ views and needs regarding communication practices
In the month prior to completing the survey, re-spondents reported that the most common
adverse finding communicated to pregnant patients from examinations was: Miscarriage Ectopic Blighted ovum Fetal growth restriction
Which situation did the sonographers in this study find it most difficult to communicate
an adverse finding? When the scan is a routine dating scan When the scan is a screening to check for an anomaly When the scan is a third-trimester scan When the scan is referred due to concerns about the
pregnancy
As shown in Table 6, which of the following influential factors among most sonographers
was acceptable to communicate adverse findings directly to patients? If there is any adverse finding When unable to consult a sonologist If there was no heartbeat After speaking to the referrer first
In this study, which of the following practice settings reported the highest percentage
of policies in place? Sonographer owned Public hospital Radiologist owned Private hospital
Although training in how to communicate adverse outcomes is limited in Australia, what
type of training was most common? Role-play Group discussion Coaching or mentoring Lecture based
The study revealed that most respondents believed that there was a lack of support when
faced with adverse outcomes. Which of the following was the most prevalent destresser
after communicating adverse findings? Debriefing with colleagues Professional counseling Meditation None
In this study, most respondents strongly supported having a standardized national policy
for communicating adverse findings to a patient. What percentage of respondents reported
having a formalized departmental policy in place? 10% 14% 39% 76%
Footnotes