Book Description

This report defines the essential training and skills necessary for the effective employment of diagnostic ultrasound in different health care settings. It reviews the present situation in ultrasonography and the trends in the utilization of diagnostic ultrasound in clinical practice. The report also examines worldwide practice with respect to ultrasonography training for physicians, sonographers, and other categories of medical professionals, such as midwives, nurses, and assistant physicians. It presents outlines of recommended training curricula for physicians in general, advanced, and specialized ultrasonography and discusses various other factors that must be taken into account in organizing the training process. The report describes the recommended training for allied health professionals specializing in ultrasonography and presents the basic science and instrumentation aspects of the curricula. It then discusses the level of competence that should be reached by those trained in the use of diagnostic ultrasound, as well as the recommended standards for training programs, including the requirements for instructors and training centers. Recommendations for the implementation of training programs are included. An appendix outlines the applications of diagnostic ultrasound. (Contains 36 references.) (MDM).