The scope of practices and challenges of sonographers as a recognized allied health professional in Malaysia

Background: Sonography profession in Malaysia is as a crucial component of allied health services. This study aimed to assess the current scope of practices and challenges of sonographers as recognized allied health professional in Malaysia and determined the association between the scope practices and the challenges encountered. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sonographers in Malaysia registered under Malaysian Sonographers Association (MASA) indicated that they are bounded to a professional organization. A total of 131 respondents were surveyed following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An online questionnaire was distributed, comprising three sections: demographic, scope of practices and challenges of sonographers in Malaysia. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS), utilizing the descriptive analysis and Spearman Correlation test. Results: The scope of practices of sonographer yielded almost 99.2% respondents that agreed to the statement of sonographers in Malaysia should possess a thorough understanding and adhere to their workplace's standard operating procedures (SOP). The most encountered challenges of sonographers (93.1%) are obtaining a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree, or doctoral degree in sonography is necessary for employment in Malaysia. Spearman correlation test yielded p-value <0.01, correlation coefficient, (r) was 0.37, indicating a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between the scope of practices and challenges encountered by sonographers in Malaysia. Conclusion: As a conclusion, the scope of practices of sonographers in Malaysia has expanded, strengthening the need for enhanced recognition, education and support for their profession. Significant correlation was found suggested that as the scope of practices increase, the challenges of sonographers encountered also tend to increase. Future recommendations include establishing comprehensive training programs, improving workplace ergonomics, and conducting further longitudinal research.