Role of the RR - US Flashcards
What examinations are done in Ultrasound?
General abdominal
Gynaecological
Small parts – thyroid, testicular
Vascular
Obstetric
Groin/hernia
MSK
FNA Neck
CEUS - contrast-enhanced ultrasound
What are the guidelines for professional practice in Ultrasound?
SoR and BMUS Guidelines for Professional Practice:
Ultrasound practitioner:
A healthcare professional who holds recognised qualifications in medical ultrasound and is able to competently perform ultrasound examinations falling within their personal scope of practice.
The professional background of ultrasound practitioners can be very varied and will include radiologists, radiographers, sonographers, midwives, physiotherapists, obstetricians and clinical scientists.
What roles do sonographers play?
Justify the request
Scan the patient
issue report
what qualification do sonographers need - the process of qualification?
PGDIP in medical US
period of probation - each report is checked and countersigned
after completing an audit
what is the purpose of a report?
Provide a specialist interpretation of images and relate the findings, - anticipated
- unexpected
To diagnose or contribute to the understanding of their clinical state.
Advises on appropriate further investigations and management
why is ultrasound reporting different?
Only person who sees the patient
Patient with us for the duration of the examination – history clarification
Usually the only person who sees the images
Referrers rely on the report – unable to interpret images
Ultrasound is a dynamic examination
Operator dependant
Discuss findings directly with patient
Can have direct impact on patient treatment.
Recommend further investigations/referrals
Critically appraise the role of the reporting radiographer in Ultrasound.
Dynamic study so pathology can be evaluated, e.g. bowel peristalsis, movement of calculi, gas molecules (1)
Can use colour or pulse-wave Doppler to evaluate blood flow (1)
Sonographer can discuss symptoms and move patient position to achieve better visualisation (1)
No-one else sees/scans patient and images taken are only ‘snapshots’ of the dynamic study – highly operator dependent (1)
Report often dictated straight after US examination or at end of list (1)
Patient centred care approach, patient may be given result straight after examination. (1)
Sonographer usually a band 7 or 8 due to nature of profession (1)
US examination can be part of a ‘one stop shop’ clinic (1) – more holistic care for patient (1)
Specialised investigations such as MSK injections (1), FNAs/biopsies under U/S (1) and contrast-enhanced US can be undertaken (1) with appropriate training
With training, specialised examinations can also be undertaken, e.g. trans rectal scans (1), echocardiograms (1)
Identify and evaluate typical ultrasound appearances of normal and abnormal anatomical structures and pattern variations (1)
Can make recommendations for further evaluation by alternative imaging (1), referral to other specialties (e.g. gynae opinion) (1), and for additional diagnostic tests, e.g. LFT blood test (1)
Credit given for relevant discussion, maximum 15 marks.
