Invitation to nominate to join our Expert Panel and help develop a new Scope of Practice

Echo Physiologists – we need your expertise!

PiCSA is collaborating with the ASA in a project to develop the first Scope of Practice document for Australian Sonographers. Nominate by 24 November to join the Expert Panel and add your voice to the Delphi review process to create a genuinely Sonographer-led Scope of Practice.

It’s essential that the cardiac specialty is well represented, as we bring unique expertise that sets us apart within the broader field of Sonography. This Scope of Practice document must support and honour the distinct (and non-inferior) identity of Echo Physiologists/Cardiac Sonographers.

What?

This Scope of Practice will – for the first time – focus on describing the “entry level” scope of practice for an Australian Sonographer and align with the existing MRTB scope of practice for Sonographers in New Zealand. This represents a critical first step in formally describing the important and extensive clinical work Sonographers undertake. Importantly, while the focus of the project is entry-level Sonographers, we will also be developing a decision tree to support Sonographers changing, advancing or extending their scope of practice over time. It will apply to Australian Sonographers and align closely with the Scope of Practice for our colleagues in New Zealand.

The Scope of Practice will be developed using a structured method of collective consensus called the Delphi review process. Delphi aims to generate a reliable consensus opinion among a group of experts by using an iterative process of questionnaires interspersed with controlled feedback. Importantly, individuals in the Delphi process are anonymous, which helps to eliminate bias caused by interpersonal or group dynamics.

We are excited to have Anita Hobson-Powell from Advancia Consulting leading this process. Anita has spent a large part of her career working in associations, advocating for the allied health professions and establishing the quality assurances of self-regulated health professions.  The work will be guided by a Working Group made up of representatives from the Australasian Sonographers Association, Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, Australian Sonography Accreditation Registry, Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine, Professionals in Cardiac Sciences Australia as well as a consumer representative.

Who?

We are seeking a minimum of 10 Echo Physiologists/Cardiac Sonographers from all parts of Australia and New Zealand, to join a larger group of Sonographers (at least 50) representing a range of expertise, experience, practice areas, locations and work environments. This will help to ensure the Delphi process captures a broad range of views, voices and experiences from across our two continents and produces a Scope of Practice that is truly representative.

Minimum requirements:

1. Current registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry or the NZ Medical Radiation Technologists Board
2. At least 12 months’ clinical experience as an Echo Physiologist/Cardiac Sonographer
3. Currently working in a clinical or non-clinical role in Australia or New Zealand
4. Desire to participate, share your experiences and help to create positive change in the Sonography profession.

How to apply?

To nominate, please email the ASA at policy@Sonographers.org by 24 November 2024.

Please include the following in your email:

• Subject: Nomination for SOP Expert Panel
• Attn: Elissa Campbell, General Manager of Policy and Advocacy
• Address the minimum requirements set out above
• Include a copy of your current CV

The final Scope of Practice is scheduled for release by the end of 2025.

Why?

Defining a Scope of Practice means outlining the professional activities that a practitioner is educated, competent and authorised to perform, and for which they are accountable. Defining entry level Scope of Practice will have many benefits including:

1. Improving recognition of the core Sonographer skills in the health and wider community
2. Creating clarity of expected minimum standards so that student Sonographers receive the experience and support they need to be job-ready when they graduate and enter the workplace
3. Enabling clearer communication and advocacy with governments about policy, regulation, funding and other legislative arrangements that affect Sonographers now and into the future
4. Paving the way for developing a more advanced Scope of Practice for Sonographers

#EchoPhysiologist #CardiacSonographer #ScopeOfPractice #PiCSA #ASA #Sonography