A qualitative approach to understanding the effects of a caring relationship between the sonographer and patient

A qualitative approach to understanding the effects of a caring relationship between the sonographer and patient

REVIEWED BY | Julianne Barry ASA SIG: Health and Wellbeing

REFERENCE | Authors: Leah Van Der Westhuizen, Kathleen Naidoo, Yasmin Casmod and Sibusiso Mdletshe Journal: Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Open Access: No

WHY THE STUDY WAS PERFORMED

The overarching purpose of this study was to investigate sonographers’ experiences of being caring professionals. This study was performed in response to the increasingly high demand for quality health services resulting in increasing stress among healthcare professionals managing high patient loads and negative and stressful work environments. This stress may correlate to objectifying patients as a coping mechanism to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout. The authors formulated guidelines to enhance caring relationships between sonographers and patients and to improve the psychological wellbeing of sonographers using a review of the literature and the results of this study.

HOW THE STUDY WAS PERFORMED

Registered, university trained sonographers working in private practices in Gauteng, South Africa were invited to participate and recruit other participants. There was a total of 14 participants, all female, from different cultural backgrounds, ages ranging from 27 to 42 years, with ultrasound experience of 3 to 16 years.

Between June and July 2018, four focus group interviews lasting for 20 to 60 minutes were conducted, each including 3 to 5 participants of the sample of 14 sonographers. The research question that formed the basis of the study was ‘Tell me about being a caring professional in sonography’. Data collection included full transcripts as well as documentation of non-verbal communication including body language and group dynamics.

The researchers analysed the data, coding for themes and categories utilising a qualitative research methodology.

WHAT THE STUDY FOUND

The central theme present in the data was ‘The effects of a caring relationship between sonographer and patient’. Within this, three key categories were identified, including ‘professional pride, the protective mechanisms of the sonographer and the emotional and psychological strain of the sonographer’.

The study found that sonographers had a desire to be caring professionals while recognising that this caused both positive and negative experiences. The sonographers were proud of their profession and their ability to serve their patients, provide them with answers and make a difference in their patients’ lives. Protective mechanisms of the participants were identified, with participants attempting to find a balance between being compassionate and empathetic while also distancing and putting up protective barriers to avoid distressing emotional involvement and to maintain the ability to continue to meet the high demands of their duties as sonographers. The emotional strain of the participants was identified throughout the data collection, particularly with the experience of caring for patients with sad cases, while still professionally managing the workload. The researchers concluded the reported experiences of sonographers within this study were in line with current literature relating to mental health themes experienced by other healthcare professionals in general.

“The study found that sonographers had a desire to be caring professionals while recognising that this caused both positive and negative experiences.”

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Based on this study, and a literature review, the researchers made the following recommendations.

1. Sonographers are encouraged to keep reflective journals documenting events that have affected them emotionally and formulating ideas on how best to manage future events to provide better care for themselves and their patients.

2. Regular peer discussions are recommended for sharing positive and negative experiences, practice strategies and to provide a sense of community and belonging.

3. Psychologist support should be available to all sonographers for assistance with emotional strain and burnout.

4. Giving sonographers access to breaks within the natural environment may enablesonographers to reduce their anxiety and stress levels and provide a higher quality of careto their patients.