ISSN: 2161-0932
Samantha Thomas
University of Sydney, Australia
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Gynecol Obstet
In many countries, sonographers are the frontline practitioners in diagnosing adverse outcomes in obstetric ultrasound. Patient expectations have changed as technology has improved with pregnant patients expecting to know the results of their scan instantaneously. This research explored the views, experiences and practices of Australian sonographers across a range of private and public practice sites in multiple geographical settings. The findings indicate: there is ambiguity and inconsistency both in understanding practice protocols and the sonographer role in delivering an adverse outcome to pregnant patients; most sonographers lack formalized training and also feel unsupported in these situations leading to frustration, stress and burnout. To achieve the best patient-centered care sonographers need a supportive environment which has interprofessional collaboration and professional body involvement to establish set policies and practice protocols that clearly state the roles and responsibilities of sonographers, radiologists and obstetrician sonologists.
E-mail: stho5943@uni.sydney.edu.au