Today’s sonographer faces various challenges, but the right ultrasound machine can significantly impact job satisfaction. Despite the fulfilling nature of the profession, sonographers encounter a series of challenges that can complicate their daily responsibilities. Declining reimbursements for radiology services, workforce shortages, and work-related musculoskeletal (WRMSK) injuries significantly impact their efficiency and career contentment. Furthermore, the increasing workload and associated burnout have raised concerns regarding staff satisfaction in sonography. In response to these issues, ultrasound machine manufacturers have started implementing various solutions, including ergonomic enhancements, improved training and education, advanced scanning tools, and increased access to clinical support, to help alleviate these rising challenges.
Scanning patients continuously throughout the day places stress on the body, which can eventually result in long-term injuries. Ultrasound transducers and their cords can be cumbersome, which can, overtime, cause strain on sonographers’ arms and wrists while scanning.
Although sonographers are encouraged to scan in the most comfortable position applicable to the exam being performed, tight corners and space constraints often cause them to scan in awkward positions with poor posture. As a result, 80-95% of sonographers experience work-related pain, and 90% of them experience this pain for more than half of their career. 1,2 To help combat WRMSK injuries and fatigue, ultrasound machine vendors are improving ergonomics to promote less movement during scanning. Some recent improvements to ultrasound technology include the following:
These enhancements can help improve a sonographer’s health and work fulfillment especially since exam volumes have increased, and the number of new sonographers entering the field has not been sufficient to meet the growing demand. Between 2011 and 2021, ultrasound exams in the United States increased by 55.1%, while the number of sonographers increased by 43.6% 3
The growing workload only exacerbates the WRMSK injuries associated with this career, thus demonstrating the need for continuous ultrasound technology updates to make sonographers’ work less physically inhibiting.
Ultrasound machines with advanced scanning tools increase throughput and help reduce sonographer fatigue. This improved usability enables more productive work without compromising performance. Systems designed with user-friendly menu navigation simplify the scanning process, making it more intuitive and less time-consuming. This is critical for sonographers scanning high volumes of patients.Some features of advanced scanning tools include:
While ultrasound machine manufacturers are making efforts to support and empower sonographers, there is no single solution that can fully address the many challenges contributing to staff dissatisfaction and burnout in radiology. Ultrasound vendors, sonography staff, clinicians, hospitals, labs, and other employers must all implement solutions to address the industry-wide problems that are becoming more prevalent in radiology. Because sonographers face issues at every level of the healthcare continuum, a holistic approach is called for between all personnel and healthcare facilities associated with radiology to develop effective solutions.
For now, ultrasound vendors and manufacturers can do their part by making advancements to their ultrasound systems that benefit sonographers’ quality of life and continue to produce and promote educational resources designed to reduce the learning curve.
At Mindray, we develop meaningful ultrasound solutions to help clinicians provide timely answers and elevate patient care. Our innovative Radiology ultrasound machines offer exceptional image quality and feature a range of AI-enhanced technologies that improve reproducibility, optimize productivity, and help ensure consistency.
Developed with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, intuitive imaging, and streamlined workflows, our ultrasound machines provide clinicians with the critical information they need to deliver confident and reliable answers.
References:
1 Jakes C. Sonographers and occupational overuse syndrome: Cause, effect, and solutions. J Diagnostic Med Sonography 2001; 17: 74.
2 Mason B, Robinson C, Brinsmead S, Hassall L, Chamberlin S. The 2014 ASA workplace health and safety survey results. Soundeffects News 2014; 3: 26–29.
3 Won, Daniel, et al. “Sound the alarm: The sonographer shortage is echoing across healthcare.” Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, vol. 43, no. 7, 27 Mar. 2024, pp. 1289–1301, https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.16453.
4 Won, Daniel, et al. “Sound the alarm: The sonographer shortage is echoing across healthcare.” Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, vol. 43, no. 7, 27 Mar. 2024, pp. 1289–1301, https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.16453.
Educational Resources for Sonographers:
ARDMS | American Registry for Diagnostic Medical SonographySonography Canada
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) - Elevating Sonography
Society for Vascular Ultrasound | Research. Education. Advocacy. (svu.org)
Ultrasound & Sonography Learning & Events – AIUM
Ultrasound Ergonomics Products | Sound Ergonomics
IAC - Intersocietal Accreditation Commission