Parker Pamela, Edwards Hazel, Twiddy Maureen, Whybrow Paul, Rigby Alan
University of Hull & Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK.
British Medical Ultrasound Society, Milton Keynes, UK.
Ultrasound. 2023 May;31(2):84-90. doi: 10.1177/1742271X221139210. Epub 2022 Dec 27.
MicroUS is a new imaging technique that may have potential to reliably monitor prostate disease and therefore release capacity in MRI departments. Firstly, however, it is essential to identify which healthcare staff may be suitable to learn to use this modality. Based on previous evidence, UK sonographers may be well placed to harness this resource.
Currently, there is sparse evidence on the performance of MicroUS for monitoring prostate disease but early findings are encouraging. Although its uptake is increasing, it is believed that only two sites in the UK have MicroUS systems and only one of those uses just sonographers to undertake and interpret this new imaging technique.
UK sonographers have a history of role extension dating back several decades and have proven repeatedly that they are reliable and accurate when measured against a gold standard. We explore the background of UK sonographer role extension and postulate that sonographers are best placed to adopt and embed new imaging techniques and technology into routine clinical practice. This is of particular importance given the dearth of ultrasound focussed radiologists in the UK. To effectively introduce challenging new work streams, multi-professional collaboration in imaging, alongside sonographer role extension, will ensure precious resources are maximised thus ensuring optimum patient care.
UK sonographers have repeatedly demonstrated reliability in many areas of role extension in various clinical settings. Early data indicate that the adoption of MicroUS for use in prostate disease surveillance may be another role suited to sonographers.
微型超声（MicroUS）是一种新的成像技术，可能有潜力可靠地监测前列腺疾病，从而缓解MRI科室的工作压力。然而，首先必须确定哪些医护人员可能适合学习使用这种检查方式。根据以往的证据，英国的超声医师可能很适合利用这一资源。
目前，关于微型超声监测前列腺疾病的性能的证据很少，但早期研究结果令人鼓舞。尽管其应用正在增加，但据信英国只有两个机构拥有微型超声系统，其中只有一个机构仅由超声医师进行并解读这种新的成像技术。
英国超声医师的角色扩展已有数十年历史，并且多次证明，与金标准相比，他们是可靠且准确的。我们探讨了英国超声医师角色扩展的背景，并推测超声医师最适合将新的成像技术和科技应用并融入常规临床实践。鉴于英国专注于超声的放射科医生短缺，这一点尤为重要。为了有效地引入具有挑战性的新工作流程，成像领域的多专业合作以及超声医师的角色扩展，将确保宝贵资源得到最大化利用，从而确保为患者提供最佳护理。
英国超声医师在各种临床环境中的许多角色扩展领域都反复证明了其可靠性。早期数据表明，采用微型超声监测前列腺疾病可能是另一个适合超声医师的角色。
