Public awareness
In February 2019 the ASA commissioned research into understanding public awareness and perceptions of sonographers. The research highlighted:
- General awareness of the sonography profession is reasonably low, although a majority acknowledge that an ultrasound is an important diagnostic healthcare tool
- Only 11% of respondents were able to name a sonographer as the health professional who conducted their ultrasound with 95% believing ultrasound is an important tool
- Respondents overwhelmingly believe that sonographers should be regulated, with most citing a less accurate diagnosis and patient safety as their main causes for concern
- 93% believed sonographers were regulated and supported Sonographers to be regulated
- 82% are concerned that sonographers are not regulated.
While knowledge regarding the lack of professional regulation does not deter individuals from seeking an ultrasound, individuals are more likely to seek a second opinion or question the diagnostic quality of results.
- 53% more likely to seek a second opinion
- 53% more likely to question the quality of the result of an ultrasound.
