City Research Online

Abstract

Introduction: Radiographers can elect to work within many different modalities, one being ultrasound. Within Europe there are differing opinions about how much of a role radiographers should take in relation to the ultrasound examination, particularly report writing. This paper provides findings exploring the radiographer's views on working within sonography.

Methods: In 2019 an electronic survey was disseminated to radiographer members by European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) national radiographer societies, following a pilot study. A mix of closed questions, free text, and scale responses aimed to investigate radiographers’ practice, legal responsibilities, report writing, educational level and experiences of support and mentoring.

Results: Of 561 radiographers participating, most (92%) reported performing ultrasound scans. Challenges with legislation, medical protectionism and lack of high-quality education restricted other radiographers. On average, the respondents have practiced ultrasound for 13.5 years. A total of 60% had postgraduate education and carried out a wide range of examinations. A full interpretative report, including advice on further investigations is performed by 52%, whilst 22% provide a checklist or descriptive report. Over 55% of radiographers took legal responsibility for the examination and the majority had clear protocols, good mentoring and support in the workplace. Peer review of their work was less common.

Conclusion: The result shows that in 21 (n = 25) countries radiographers perform ultrasound, however not without challenges. Educational levels range from no formal education or short courses to an MSc in ultrasound. Report writing practice differs across the EFRS countries responding to the survey, as does peer review to enhance skills and clinical practice. Implications for practice: National Radiographer societies could review findings to support campaigning for a change in legislation and improvements to educational offerings in ultrasound.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© 2021 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Please cite this article as: M.R.V. Pedersen, B. Kraus, R. Santos et al., Radiographers’ individual perspectives on sonography - A survey of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS), Radiography, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2021.07.018
Publisher Keywords:	Radiographers, Sonographers, Ultrasound, Education, Europe, Report writing
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Midwifery & Radiography
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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