The role of the diagnostic medical sonographer in patient care

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

What do you see as the most important role of the diagnostic medical sonographer?

The diagnostic medical sonographer plays a vital role in revealing the patient's state of health and well-being to the examining physician. Diagnostic medical sonography helps clarify the patient's state of physical health to the physician through the use of technologically-generated images. He or she must also work to create a comfortable environment for the patient, who may feel frightened and confused. Sonographers must explain how the equipment works to the patient in layperson's terms, and also explain the use sonography itself. Sonography is the use of sound waves to create an image to help in the diagnosis of a medical condition or to affirm the patient's state of health. If the patient is pregnant, he or she may be particularly apprehensive and the sonographer should keep this in mind.

Sonographers must be very detail-oriented when taking the patient's medical history and records, as well as when they are inspecting and maintaining the equipment. They have a great deal of responsibility for selecting the images during the scan that provide the most comprehensive picture for diagnostic purposes, as well as recording their own preliminary findings.

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