Are senior cardiac sonographers adequately prepared to provide echo training and supervision to students? Survey results from senior cardiac sonographers and echo educators in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionWorkplace supervision and training of cardiac sonographers in Victoria is largely undertaken by senior cardiac sonographers including echo educators. Effective clinical supervision is made difficult by a desire to maintain patient throughput and a lack of adequate staffing in the workplace. Many senior sonographers do not have the desired skills or adequate training to provide effective supervision.MethodsTwenty‐five senior cardiac sonographers and echo educators were surveyed to establish current trends in clinical supervision. Participants completed a survey regarding the frequency, perceived quality and confidence in providing echo training and supervision.ResultsThe majority of respondents provided workplace supervision to student cardiac sonographers as part of their usual duties. The time allocated to this varied from less than 1 day per month to up to 4 or 5 days per week. Most had no formal qualification in providing echo training and supervision while some had minimal training. All respondents rated the quality of the training and supervision provided as average or above.DiscussionSenior cardiac sonographers in Victoria suggest an increase in staffing levels and undertaking training in clinical supervision would assist them in providing effective workplace, training and supervision of student cardiac sonographers.