ABSTRACT
Ultrasound examinations require the patient and ultrasound practitioners to rapidly develop rapport and a high level of trust due to the proximity and often invasive nature of examinations and interventional techniques. The role of ultrasound practitioner varies compared to other imaging specialties due to the extended time the sonographer spends side by side with the patient, therefore communication, both verbal and non-verbal, is a critical component of the patient experience. In addition, the emotions of the patient and ultrasound practitioner may vary across stages of the examination – before, during and after – impacted by interactions and influenced by findings. Regardless of the outcome, patients have an expectation of being informed at the time of ultrasound examination, evolving the communication role of sonographers and sonologists. Currently, in some practices, the patients’ experience of an ultrasound examination leaves them making assumptions about clinical findings based on non-verbal cues, or ‘in the dark’ about the clinical findings until they returned to their referring doctor. Drawing on extensive local and international research and patient insights, current communication deficiencies and opportunities to improve the ultrasound examination experience for clinicians and patients have been identified. Patient research uncovered what irritates patients about ultrasound practitioners during examinations, why patients complain and why a lack of discussion related to clinical findings is no longer acceptable. These findings provide practical communication tips for ultrasound practitioners related to initial patient introduction, communication during the examination, two-way discussion of findings and outcomes, as well as patient access to and interpretation of results. The insights are summarised to enable immediate implementation by ultrasound practitioners to improve patient-centred communication and outcomes for both patients and ultrasound practitioners.
