The role of radiographers in ultrasound: A survey of the national societies within the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)

Abstract

Introduction: Ultrasound is one of many areas of specialism for radiographers to develop their skills in. As part of a wider suite of surveys, the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) wanted to investigate the extent and scope of practice for radiographers practising ultrasound across Europe. This report details the results of the initial survey, exploring the views of the EFRS countries' National Radiographer Societies. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to representatives of the 43 national radiographer societies who were members of the EFRS. Questions asked about radiographer practice in ultrasound within individual countries, scope of the role, particularly report writing, in addition to investigating current ultrasound education, barriers and opinions on priorities for radiographer ultrasound practice. Results: Forty individual responses were received, from a total of 27 countries, covering 62.8% of the EFRS member societies invited to participate. Radiologists or specialised medical practitioners performed ultrasound in the majority of countries. Radiographers practise ultrasound in 48% of countries and 11% have some limited involvement in ultrasound. Countries without radiographer engagement in ultrasound reported legislative issues or lack of acceptance from the medical professions (52%) and/or limited specific ultrasound education (39%) as predominant factors. In most countries where radiographers practise ultrasound, clinical reporting is a descriptive report or checklist approved by a medical doctor/ radiologist. Conclusion: The results highlight the scope of practice and barriers faced in some EFRS countries to enabling radiographers to develop their skills and competencies in ultrasound. Implications for practice: Priorities for radiographer societies to assist in the development of ultrasound as a pathway for radiographer progression in countries, where it is not yet available, include education programmes, acceptance by medical professionals and changes to legislation.

Radiographers’ individual perspectives on sonography - A survey of European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)

“…15 The educational level and training for non-medical ultrasound is variable across Europe. 16,17 This is also recognised by the European Society of Radiology (ESR). 14 In the United States of America integration of ultrasound education for medical professionals was also found to be extremely inconsistent 18 varying from "ad hoc" or "on the job" learning to formal postgraduate qualifications.…”

“…Five national societies opted out of disseminating further surveys, on completion of the first survey. 17 The survey questions concerned sonography education, workforce issues, report writing, and legal responsibility. There were a mix of closed questions, free text, and scale responses.…”

“…14 In the United States of America integration of ultrasound education for medical professionals was also found to be extremely inconsistent 18 varying from "ad hoc" or "on the job" learning to formal postgraduate qualifications. 17 Cultural differences between hospital or country will often determine the preferred educational approach preferred. Still, radiographers writing individual ultrasound reports are highly skilled.…”

“…Still, radiographers writing individual ultrasound reports are highly skilled. 17 Hofmann and Vikestad (2013) investigated how radiographers perform in upper abdominal examinations compared to radiologists and found kappa agreement of 0.9. 8 Studies have also found radiographer reporting comparable to radiologists in ultrasound and other modalities.…”

“…Some findings have already been reported from a survey of national societies and advanced practice aspects from this current survey. 17 Ultrasound was one of nine areas of advanced practice identified by the EFRS in their 2011 guidance document on radiographer role development. 22 This survey investigates views, experiences and challenges relating to clinical support and mentoring, legal responsibilities, report writing, education level, type of ultrasound examinations performed by radiographers across European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) countries.…”