2 hours ago Consequence-based. As patient advocates, sonographers should report concerns to any of the following except the. HIPAA liaison. _____ are concepts, goals, ideals, and behaviors formed by family, friends, culture, environment, education, and one's own life experiences. Values. >> Go To The Portal
Sonographers need to be accountable for and participate in regular assessment and review of protocols, equipment, procedures, and results to ensure that patients are not harmed by outdated procedures or poorly functioning equipment. Appropriate oversight and approval of protocols by research or hospital committees contribute to patient safety.
The sonographer respects the patient’s autonomy by providing a detailed explanation of the examination, including appropriate choices such as the right to view the screen or to learn the gender of the fetus. Respect for maternal autonomy dictates responding frankly to requests from the pregnant woman for information about the gender of the fetus.
A current ethical issue is the nonmedical use of sonography for the videotaping or photography of “baby pictures.” There is nothing intrinsically wrong with the practice if it is a side product of a legitimate ultrasound examination.
Premature disclosure of the results of an abnormal sonographic examination raises significant clinical ethical issues for sonographers. Sonographers are justified in disclosing findings of normal anatomy directly to the pregnant woman.
The principle of beneficence obligates the obstetric sonographer to seek the greatest benefit in the care of pregnant patients. Beneficence encourages sonographers to go beyond the minimum standard protocol and to seek additional images and information if achievable and in the best interests of patients.
Sonographers have ethical responsibilities to their patients and colleagues. The principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, respect for persons, veracity and integrity, and justice must be implemented in the sonography laboratory to ensure ethical practice.
The principle of nonmaleficence directs the sonographer to not cause harm. Application of the principle of nonmaleficence requires the sonographer to obtain appropriate education and clinical skills to ensure competence in performing each required examination.
The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) has adopted a code of ethics for sonographers. This code includes elements consistent with principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, veracity, justice, and confidentiality.
Morality reflects duties and values. Freedom and autonomy are integral to morality because they allow values to be expressed. All aspects of morality, duties, values, and rights are of importance in the clinical ethics of sonography practice. In a pluralistic, multicultural society such as the United States, moral beliefs and behaviors vary widely.
Patient trust is built on the expectation that health care professionals will follow established ethical principles and guidelines. Medical ethics promotes excellence and protects patients by encouraging practitioners to reflect on, communicate, and demonstrate optimal care.
The use of obstetric ultrasound, like other medical interventions, must be justified by the goal of seeking the greater balance of clinical “goods” over “harms,” not simply avoiding harm to the patient at all cost.