Regional survey 2007 Workforce/Workload

Surveys were sent to all maternity ultrasound departments via Superintendent Sonographers in October 2007. Responses were received from all 19 units, however not all responded fully. All units were given a copy of the data supplied to validate and check for inaccuracies.

Data were presented on the number and type of staff in post (as of June 2007), whole time equivalent spent performing obstetric scans, prevalence of repetitive strain injury.

Data on the number of scans performed have been difficult for units to complete due to the lack of effective information systems within departments. Prospective data collection may be necessary in future. The data may not be directly comparable between units due to local variations in the methods of counting activity, and local protocols on where and by whom scans are undertaken.

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