Evaluation of sonographer administered ultrasoundguided musculoskeletal injections

RESEARCH

Evaluation of sonographer administered ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal injections

Since 2019, the ASA has funded the research project ‘Evaluation of sonographer administered ultrasoundguided musculoskeletal injections’ with the International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, who conducted the research. This study, published in Sonography journal, indicates that appropriately trained sonographers can provide ultrasoundguided musculoskeletal injections at a level of safety that is comparable to similar injection procedures explored in the literature. The high level of satisfaction of the patients suggests that this service should be extended and expanded to address patient concerns regarding long waiting times.

View the article: Patient satisfaction and incidence of adverse events during a trial of sonographer administered musculoskeletal injections

The medications used in cortisone injections are classified as Schedule 4 restricted drugs. Who can prescribe, administer and hold restricted drugs is determined separately by state legislation and subordinate regulation. Each state or territory has its own ‘drugs and poisons’ legislation, which is overseen by the jurisdictional Department of Health. As such, the legislation on who can prescribe, administer, and hold restricted drugs varies between Australian states and territories.

Even for those in a state that allows sonographers to administer restricted drugs at the direction of a medical practitioner, it still requires a supervising medical practitioner (for example, radiologist) to consider this as an appropriate model of healthcare. It also requires the support of the workplace for this service delivery model.

For more information, read the FAQs on Sonographer administered ultrasound-guided MSK injections

UPCOMING RESEARCH

Scan Times Research Project

In the last member survey, the majority of members asked for advice and guidance on scan times and scheduling. Many of you spoke of the number of scans you are expected to perform in a day, with scan times shortening, and the impact this has not only on the quality of your work, but also the potential for mistakes, burnout, and sonographer injury. The ASA is in the process of commissioning research to be undertaken to answer the question ‘Do ultrasound examination times correlate with quality outcomes?’ by identifying the relationship between current scheduled ultrasound examination times and transducer times and determine if there is any correlation with quality outcomes. This work is expected to commence in 2023 with an initial report by the end of 2023.