Balancing Efficiency and Diagnostic Quality in Modern Ultrasound Practice

Given the realities of current radiologist and sonographer staffing shortages, increasing caseloads, productivity metrics for performance, and pressure for faster turnaround times in ultrasound, this survey polled members of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound. The membership includes academic and private radiologist practitioners, experts, and directors in the field. The goal was to define the state of ultrasound practice today in various settings, understand the tradeoffs between speed and accuracy, and offer solutions that can mitigate these trends. An anonymous survey regarding specific details of individual ultrasound practice was circulated to the 500 members of the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound, with 101 responses tallied in total. The majority of respondents reported a difference in their practice of ultrasound, including increased case volumes, decreased review of cases by radiologists before patients leave the department, and decreased time for academics and teaching. Results of this survey reveal threats to academic practice, oversight, and quality of scan reports, resident education, and staff retention. Possible solutions to mitigate these trends are discussed.