The SoR has published a new framework that provides guidance and standards for sonographer roles that provide healthcare in early pregnancy.
Titled ‘A framework for advancing sonographer roles in early pregnancy’, the document was created in conjunction with the Association of Early Pregnancy Units (AEPU).
The framework is split into four main sections:
- Introduction
- The role of the sonographer in early pregnancy units
- Advanced early pregnancy sonographer: knowledge, skills and competencies
- Conclusion
The third section is divided into four parts, aligning with the NHS four pillars of practice: clinical skills; leadership/management; education/teaching; and research, audit and service evaluation.
In the introductory section, the framework provides some background to enhanced, advanced and consultant-level practice and extended roles currently held by sonographers from radiography backgrounds. The document identifies obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatric and breast as some of the extended areas that sonographers from radiography backgrounds can pursue roles within.
Partnership between the AEPU and the SoR
In the foreword to the document, the AEPU and SoR expressed their support for such specialist roles – particularly in light of the evolving national health landscape and the 2023 independent Pregnancy Loss Review.
The foreword states: “The AEPU and SoR recognise the vital role sonographers play in the early pregnancy pathway and hope this document will serve to extend their practice and foster the development and retention of sonographers who share our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care for patients and families facing complications in early pregnancy.”
Two members of the SoR Ultrasound Advisory Group, Roxanne Sicklen and Ellen Dyer, alongside Gill Harrison, professional officer for ultrasound at the Society and College of Radiographers, and AEPU chair Jackie Ross, authored the new framework.
To read the framework in full, click here.
The framework was designed to complement the SoR’s ‘Guidance and recommendations for running an effective, high-quality obstetric ultrasound service and supporting obstetric sonographer career development’ document, which can be accessed here.