Competencies required by sonographers teaching ultrasound interprofessionally: a Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND

Clinicians from multiple professional backgrounds are increasingly using point-of-care ultrasound in clinical practice. Performing ultrasound is a complex skill, and training is required to ensure competency and patient safety. There is a lack of skilled trainers within health professions to meet this increasing educational demand. The role of sonographers in educating other health professionals in point-of-care ultrasound has not yet been well defined. Sonographers can provide ultrasound education interprofessionally, if equipped with appropriate clinical knowledge and educational skills.

METHODS

A Delphi consensus study was conducted to define the knowledge, skills and attributes required of sonographers teaching point-of-care ultrasound to other health professionals in Australia and New Zealand. Health professionals with subject matter expertise in the leadership, facilitation, and delivery of ultrasound education by sonographers were invited to participate.

RESULTS

There were 72 expert participants in survey round one, and 49 in round two. Participants included physicians, sonographers, and other health professionals. Consensus was reached on 31 competency items for sonographers teaching ultrasound interprofessionally, with agreement of greater than 94% reached by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

This consensus study has defined the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for sonographer competence in point-of-care ultrasound education. This is an important step to developing a training pathway for sonographers engaging in this emerging area.