The benefits and challenges of employing new sonography graduates: Key stakeholder views

Abstract

The impetus for this work was the increasing concern over the national sonographer workforce deficit. Despite this, demand for ultrasound services continued to increase with current educational models only facilitating small numbers of trainees at any given time. At the time of writing this first line investigative modality was nearing crisis and there was an urgent need for different education models and service reconfiguration.Aim: This study explored the perceptions of key stakeholders in relation to employability of a new sonographer graduate after proposed completion of a direct entry, undergraduate programme of study. The aim of the research was to gain a deeper understanding of the current perceptions of key stakeholders related to employing new sonography graduates.Method: Semi structured interviews were used and a total of thirteen participants interviewed. The data collected was analysed using a constructivist Grounded Theory approach and emerging theory tested. The qualitative approach allowed rich and detailed exploration of the participants' perceptions.Findings: An overarching theory emerged related to 'striving for professional identity' with three categories; achieving professionalism, being in control and managing change. Much resistance to change and protection of their own roles emerged as did the lack of clarity for the role, career structure and pay. Some of this was attributable to the historical development of radiography and sonography and associated with maintaining professional boundaries. The findings also suggested that the challenges of employing a new sonographer graduate were much more deeply rooted. It highlighted sonography lacked some of the key requirements for professionalisation and the professional identity and recognition were weak.

Degree apprenticeships for the radiography profession; are clinical departments ready?

“…A few participants were concerned the sonography DA might be a 'step back' and could inadvertently downgrade the profession and compromise the quality of care. These concerns have been previously raised in sonography 23,24 and have been articulated in relation to DA in general [25][26][27] . Stakeholder collaboration is therefore key in developing programmes that strike a balance between teaching theory and practical skills.…”

Professional protectionism; a barrier to employing a sonographer graduate?

“…1 This creates ambiguity for the professional identity of sonographers as they are registered as a different professional than that of their main role. 45 This perception that sonographers must first have undertaken a professional qualification in another area, such as radiography, can be compared to the historical development of midwifery as a distinct profession rather than what has been termed a sub discipline of nursing. 46 Stevens 47 highlighted the heated debate which preceded this split in the late 1980's with two distinct sides.…”

“…The perception of holding power is, arguably, transient as it will undoubtedly diminish as the workforce deficits are reduced. 45 Participants reported a distinct lack of sonographer representation and constitutional members at national level creating difficulties for development of sonography as a profession. This is despite the majority of sonographers being employed at the equivalent of advanced practitioner level or above with only two sonographers nationally achieving the SCoR accreditation for advanced practice.…”

Towards the scale and menace of unregulated sonography practice in Ghana

“…3,4 The application of ultrasound imaging modality in clinical practice was initially the preserve of Medical Practitioners. [5][6][7] However, with the advancement of clinical need, other health professionals of varying backgrounds perform the scans, and it became known as 'sonography' taken after the 'radiographer,' which describes the x-ray technician. 7 The evolution of sonography practice in Ghana has taken a similar trajectory, and there has been a rapidly increasing application of ultrasound in medicine in the last two decades.…”