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Re: Sonogrphers right to give information to patientFrom: Dianne Walkup RDMS RDCS (walkup@nwrain.com)Thu Mar 25 23:32:13 1999
This has always been a difficult area for Sonographers. I have worked with both Radiologists and Perinatologists. I believe that what is said to the patient has to depend on the comfort level of both the Sonographer and the physician they work with. If a physician knows and trusts their Sonographer, the Sonographer should be able to discuss any normal findings. If the physician does not know and trust the Sonographer, they should not be working together. We all have to develop ways of 'not answering' a pointed question with minimum alarm to patients when the answer should really come from the physician. If I have worrisome or ominous findings on an exam I have often partially discussed these with the patient, usually in order to get more information about whatever the problem is. An example of this would be asking the patient about cramping, previous cervical procedures, or miscarriages when finding a cervix that appears incompetent. I may ask a patient if they have noticed any leaking if I discover unexplained oligo. The patients always want to know why you ask these questions, and I will give them a simple explanation, and tell them I will discuss it with the doctor who will then talk to them. The perinatologists appreciate this kind of investigation, and know that I will always defer complex issues to them. I do not discuss treatment options with patients. As I explain to the patient what I am doing, they often will ask why we measure something or what can we tell from looking at that structure. If explained in layman's terms, they appreciate the knowledge and I enjoy the teaching. I cannot imagine doing this job any other way, and I know the patients enjoy the exam. In answer to the other query about Radiologists and OB/GYN docs, I have derived more satisfaction from working with Perinatologists simply because the problems I discover are immediately addressed directly with the patient at the time of the exam. I was always distressed for the patient when I worked with a Radiologist who could not answer the "what does this mean, and what's next?" questions. Some Radiologists are quite good at calming patients while referring them back to their physician, but it is most often very distressing for the patient. IMHO,
-- Dianne Walkup, RDMS RDCS
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