Abstract
Article: Concentrating in a Loud Crowd: Sonographer Perceptions of Policies to Limit Distractions in Obstetric Sonography Examinations
Authors: April Frey, MLIS, Heather Straub, MD, and Virginia Lijewski, MPH
Category: OB/GYN [OB]
Credit: 1.0 SDMS CME Credit
Objectives: After studying the article titled “Concentrating in a Loud Crowd: Sonographer Perceptions of Policies to Limit Distractions in Obstetric Sonography Examinations,” you will be able to
Understand the difficulties of scanning with an audience
List the reasons that a policy is needed
Understand the concerns that obstetric sonographers have with observers
Observer and recording policies are not ubiquitous, but: Are generally supported by sonographers Are difficult to explain to patients and family Are not usually necessary Should be rigidly enforced
The role of obstetric sonographers is unique among practitioners of other imaging modalities: In the training of the sonographers Because they are often expected answer questions and show the fetus to the patient Because of the time needed to perform the exam Because they tend to have bad attitudes
What theme was included in the disagreement with observer policy? There is typically a universal agreement Sonographers’ safety Limiting the number of observers Enough furniture in the room
What theme was included disagreement with recording policy? Fetus’ right to privacy Encountering adverse findings during the exam while being recorded Sonographers’ introversion Preventing arguments between family members
A confounding and unexpected variable during the survey was the: Onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Musculoskeletal injuries for the sonographer Patient’s unwillingness to cooperate with policies Lack of sonographer participation
80% of respondents reported that distractions: Just had to be tolerated Led to decreased job satisfaction Made the patients anxious Created a dangerous environment for everyone
Most sonographers who worked in practices without an observer policy: Felt that the policy was necessary Felt there should be such a policy Just ask the patient for their preference Use their best judgement