7 Patient Care Tips for Sonographers
Patient care is really at the heart of your job as a Sonographer. After all, it doesn’t matter what kind of ultrasound you perform; your goal is to make patients as comfortable as possible as you provide critical insights that help doctors make diagnoses and treatment plans. You’re an important part of a healthcare team and taking care of patients is your number one priority. To provide those patients with the best care possible, you need to adhere to safety and security protocols, explain procedures, and treat them with respect and compassion. Check out the 7 patient care tips you need to follow as a sonographer:
1. Sonographers Confirm Patient Information
Even before you begin taking images, it’s critical to make sure that you have the right patient in for the right procedure. This first step helps to prevent errors and reassures patients that their care is handled with professionalism. Verify the patient’s name, date of birth, and the specific procedure. Cross-check this information against the physician’s order.
2. Explain Sonography Procedures
To provide knowledge and ease patient anxiety, introduce yourself and explain the sonography procedure you will perform. Describe how the ultrasound works, what body areas will be examined, and any sensations the patient may feel. Encourage the patient to ask questions. Provide as much information as possible so the patient can focus less on their emotions and make sound, informed decisions. At the end of the procedure, discuss possible next steps and when they can expect to receive the results.
3. Sonographers Show Patients Empathy and Compassion
Remember your past visits to the doctor’s office? Even if it was only for a routine check-up, you might have felt some anxiety or discomfort waiting for the visit to begin. Draw upon those past experiences to show empathy and compassion to your patients. Listen to your patients’ concerns, take cues from their body language, and communicate clearly. When you notice signs of distress, offer words of encouragement or ask the patient what you can do to make them more comfortable.
4. Ensure Patient Comfort During the Sonography
Make sure the patient is as physically comfortable as possible. Keep the room at a temperature that isn’t too hot or cold. Offer them a pillow for support or a blanket for comfort. Warm up the ultrasound gel before you apply it and continue to monitor the patient. If necessary, adjust the pressure or position of the transducer to alleviate pain or discomfort.
5. Medical Sonographers Respect Patient Privacy
Sonograms can be conducted on different parts of the body, from the thyroid to the pelvis. For you to properly perform a sonogram, the patient needs to remove some of their clothing. This can make some patients uncomfortable. Respect their privacy and ensure the exam door room is fully closed and use dividers to shield them, if necessary. Make sure the patient is draped so that only the pertinent body part is exposed. Explain to the patient what you are doing as you conduct the sonogram and respect their right to stop it at any time.
6. Sonographers Create a Calm Environment
The atmosphere you create can influence the patient’s feelings and ability to stay still during the procedure. A cold, sterile environment can make the patient anxious, while a calm environment can put the patient at ease. Consider the lighting in the exam room and the tone and volume of your own voice.
7. Follow Infection Control Procedures as a Sonographer
Patient safety depends on strict adherence to infection-control practices. Always wash your hands before and after each exam, use gloves when appropriate, and properly disinfect transducers, cables, and exam tables. Following protocols prevents the spread of infection and also reassures patients that their well-being is your top priority.
Are you interested in a career as a Sonographer? Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. Our instructors have years of experience in the medical field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.