Ultrasound education across European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) countries: Similarities and differences.

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound education varies greatly across European healthcare systems. This paper focuses on ultrasound academic education as a part of wider suite of surveys on radiographers working in ultrasound. The aim was to investigate sonography educational levels, methods of training, course duration and other factors in European Federation of Radiographers Societies (EFRS) member countries.

METHOD: In 2019 an online survey was sent to the 38 EFRS member societies to distribute to higher education institutions within their own country. The survey was in English and contained different types of questions such as closed questions, free text options, and scale responses, to investigate sonography education including academic course types and duration, curriculum content, learning and teaching methods.

RESULTS

A total of 45 responses were received, showing wide variation in the duration of training between the respective countries. Academic level 7 (part-time) ultrasound education was most frequently reported (n = 13), followed by direct entry ultrasound courses (n = 9) and bachelor's degree programmes at EQF level 6 (n = 7). The duration of part-time courses ranged from nine months up to four years.

CONCLUSION

Sonography training and education varies among EFRS member countries ranging from short focused courses to postgraduate awards. Few countries offer sonography education leading to an award. The majority of clinical teaching and learning takes place in the learner's workplace.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: High quality academic and clinical education for radiographers extending their role into ultrasound is important to ensure safe, effective sonography practice and good patient care.