A National Survey of Sonographers and their Reporting Practices in the General Medical Ultrasound Field

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish current role extension with specific reference to reporting in departments where sonographers perform general medical ultrasound. It investigates the scope of practice and initiatives that have been negotiated for recognition and remuneration of reporting sonographers, to identify regional variations. A national survey by questionnaire was sent to 503 randomly selected sonographer members of the British Medical Ultrasound Society. Questionnaires were returned from 60% of respondents. Data collected has shown that independent reporting practice by sonographers is becoming increasingly more widespread nationally without significantly greater prevalence in any one region. Roles appear to have developed on an ad hoc basis and vary with different subcategories of reporting practice. Individual Trusts have negotiated different ways of remunerating and recognizing the reporting role, causing disparity. Sonographers independently issue reports across a wide range of ultrasound examinations in a number of departments nationwide and remuneration packages vary throughout the UK. The study recommends further research to establish if sonographer reporting is both an effective and efficient development.