Medical Ultrasound Education A National Perspective Elaine Figgins Associate Director for Allied Health Professionals

Background shortage of qualified sonographers ever-increasing demand for ultrasound examinations impact on ability of services to meet demand government targets and requirements of national screening programmes lack of concerted regional or national planning lack of associated funding

Sonography Workforce Workplace stress Musculo-skeletal injury Career development opportunities Dec. 2016: 2012 WTE Diagnostic Radiographers (78 vacancies) “Sonographer”- not a protected title

Workforce issues Entry barriers to profession Traditional recruitment and post-grad training model Once qualified – move on – earn more as Locums Ultrasound / Radiography services increased demand Flat career structure – (majority band 7) Lack of professional registration Competitive recruitment strategies between Boards Increased demand for agency staff

Thinking differently Need to consider workforce regionally Design a structured developmental pathway Doing nothing - not sustainable Need to consider different workforce solutions Explore new options Consider different workforce supply solutions Current supply models not working New masters level Post Grad Certificate programme with blended learning approach Sustainable education, supervision and support Increase advanced practice

Requirements for future workforce needs Time to facilitate training lists / reduced capacity Retention - need to look at governance / RSI issues Expectations of sonographers’ workload evaluation Commitment to fund/employ post qualification in regional areas.

Future Options Consider direct entry training BSc Hons Medical Ultrasound (Sonography) Potential to fill gap around shortage- Radiologist undertaking general ultrasound More cost effective  Reporting to maintain waiting times targets Help Boards cope with service demands New PGCert programme – Service sustainability