Date
3-22-2024
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Aimee Dietsch
Keywords
sonography, radiology, advanced practice credential, quality outcomes, radiology quality, sonographer education, sonographer clinical education, quality programs
Disciplines
Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Carroll, Leah Klatt, "A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of Quality Standards for Practicing Credentialed Sonographers and Their Interpretation of an Advanced Ultrasound Practitioner Credential to Increase Patient Safety Outcomes" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5269.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5269
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to investigate whether advanced sonographer certification in the Diagnostic Medical Sonographic profession (general, vascular, and obstetrics) would support the national quality initiatives of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that involve accurate diagnosis, patient safety, and lessening medical diagnosis errors. The research question(s) focused on sonographers and their perceptions of an advanced credential for qualified sonographers that could offer career advancement opportunities, adherence to patient safety, and increased quality initiatives in ultrasound departments in the United States. Consenting participants derived on a volunteer basis through the National Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) who possess a current sonography credential and five years of minimal experience were completed using virtual online software. The transcripts of interviews, questionnaires, and survey responses combined with robust data analysis provided a complete description of the phenomenon. United States Sonographers support an advancing pathway for their profession that collaborates quality programs in their departments. The research additionally identifies that sonographer motivations change with tenure of service, and tenure is directly related to ergonomic injury susceptibility but that sonography professionals indicate their discontent with employer expectations of volume and scheduling conflicts.
