FocUS

Reflecting on my experience as a trainee sonographer in Obstetric and Gynaecology ultrasound, I can safely say it was a rewarding yet challenging experience. Along with undertaking the academic workload of a PG cert, you are also learning an entirely new skill in the role of scanning patients. This was most notable when learning to scan obstetric patients, which requires a lot of patience, both when performing the scan and communicating with patients.  Learning to perform any scan in obstetrics requires a great deal of concentration and effort. This was probably the most challenging aspect of the course, as it is both mentally and physically tiring. This however was an area where I learnt the most from sonographers, who were incredibly patient and generous with their time by demonstrating to me the skills required for each scan and improving my knowledge of pathology.  In terms of gynaecology ultrasound, a lot of care and tact is also involved when communicating with patients ...

Prevent work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD's) I found this website with lots of tips and tools to prevent injury and to work more ergonomically.  https://healthysonographer.com/

  Wellbeing Webinar 16th March 2021 We have all been working very hard through the pandemic and dealing with heightened emotions. The SOR are hosting a free webinar, more details below.  'The pandemic has increased the pressure on health care professionals, including sonographers who provide screening and symptomatic services. We know that this increasing level of stress can have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing. To tackle this, our upcoming webinar will empower you to develop an understanding of your current coping strategies. It will also help you to consider changes you can make, that will reduce the risk of burnout whilst you continue to work under extremely challenging circumstances. Clinical psychologist Dr. Judith Johnson, an expert in the field, will deliver an abridged version of her training for sonographers.' https://www.sor.org/events/2021-03-16--wellbeing-for-sonographers-11

The Public Voluntary Register of Sonographers will close at midnight on 28th February 2021 and transfer to the Register of Clinical Technologists by 1st March 2021. If you are on the Register, you should receive details on how to transfer if you so wish. If you are not on the Register, you can still sign up before the end of the month on this link  https://www.sor.org/practice/ultrasound/public-voluntary-register-sonographers-application-form For more information please see the website for the Register of Clinical Technologists  http://therct.org.uk/

Guidance was published by PHE in January 2021 on the safe use of ultrasound gel to minimize the chance of  spreading infection. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ultrasound-gel-good-infection-prevention-practice/good-infection-prevention-practice-using-ultrasound-gel

  A Practical Approach to Fetal Cardiac Diagnosis I was lucky enough to log in to this webinar last year. The kind people at Canon have now uploaded this on to you tube (link at the end). I found it to be a great refresher and I also picked up a few new tips from such a stellar team, well worth a watch.  State of the heART – A practical approach to fetal cardiac diagnosis - YouTube

Alexandra Drought shares her experience of the pandemic in this month's Synergy magazine.   Obstetric ultrasound and Covid-19