A workforce review in diagnostic ultrasound

Abstract

Current ultrasound education for sonographers is at post-graduate level and it is a service expectation that sonographers are equipped with advanced skills on qualification. The aim of the working party review was to assess the current roles and responsibilities of the sonographers, with a view to determining whether there was an opportunity to introduce a lower band practitioner role within the local hospital ultrasound department as well as the wider ultrasound community. Qualitative data, for the review, were obtained from two sources: (i) a local working party consisting of two ultrasound managers, two sonographers, one consultant radiologist, one line manager and one lecturer in diagnostic imaging and (ii) radiologists of the local department, ultrasound colleagues within the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Health Authority (SHA), local and national Higher Education Institute and Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education colleagues. The career structure of sonographers was reviewed with options to introduce a band 6 ultrasound practitioner post in the local radiology department. The level of work expected of sonographers within the local Trust demands advanced skills, currently recognized as Agenda for Change band 7, are utilized on a daily basis. Little opportunity for practitioners to work at a lower grade which would require only technical reports, with no diagnostic opinion, was identified. In conclusion, there is currently no scope for a band 6 ultrasound practitioner within the local radiology department. The review suggests there is a need for an ultrasound practitioner career structure, which is comparable with other professional groups. Such developments will require input and support from clinicians, radiologists, the professional body and the higher education institutions. The review recognizes the need for an ultrasound governance team within individual Trusts to oversee ultrasound provision, reporting and clinical developments.