An audit of the role of the sonographer in non-obstetric ultrasound.
In order to investigate the role of the sonographer in non-obstetric ultrasound, 1046 consecutive non-obstetric ultrasound scans performed by sonographers were audited. In 94% of cases, the report prepared by the sonographer gave an accurate account of the findings. In 6.3% of reports the radiologist provided additional comments, whilst in only 0.7% of cases was the sonographer's report significantly altered. In the 630 patients in whom adequate follow-up data was available, there was a single instance of a false positive ultrasound finding but no other significant ultrasound inaccuracy. This audit indicates that the local arrangements for involving sonographers in a non-obstetric ultrasound service has resulted in agreed standards being met. It is suggested that sonographers can and should be involved more widely in the provision of non-obstetric ultrasound services.
Bates
J A
JA
Ultrasound Department, St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
Conlon
R M
RM
Irving
H C
HC
D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D015588:Observer Variation; D011364:Professional Practice; D011871:Radiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography