ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4774-7553
Current Organisation
University of South Australia
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2018
DOI: 10.1002/JMRS.299
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-12-2022
DOI: 10.1002/AJUM.12288
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the additional time needed to perform an endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound (eTVUS) compared to routine transvaginal ultrasound (rTVUS). A retrospective case–control study was performed. The study group included 199 eTVUS performed between September 2019 and September 2020. The control group comprised 105 consecutive rTVUS studies performed in the same time period. The time st s on the ultrasound images of all cases in both groups were reviewed to determine the time taken to perform each study. Mean, median, minimum and maximum scan times for both groups were calculated as was percentage difference between scan times. A two‐tailed, unpaired t‐test of the normalised data and a Mann–Whitney U test assessing time difference of scans between two groups were performed with P value .05 considered statistically significant. Performing eTVUS took significantly longer than rTVUS with increases in the mean (8.4 vs 13.8 min, 64%), median (7 vs 12 min, 71%), minimum (4 vs 7 min, 75%) and maximum (19 vs 42 min, 121%) scan times. The Mann–Whitney U test indicated a statistically significant difference in the median scan times (5.0, CI 4.0–6.0), P 0.001. An independent t‐test of the normalised data revealed a significantly larger mean scan time for eTVUS than rTVUS, Mean = 9.05 95%CI [13.17–4.94], t(302) = 4.327, P 0.001. R 2 = 0.583. Endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound added an average 5.4 min to rTVUS, which is statistically significant. For ultrasound departments wanting to offer this technique, doubling the scan time allocated to perform a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is suggested.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-05-2021
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12263
Abstract: COVID‐19 has seen a series of lockdowns and suspension on non‐urgent elective surgeries. Subsequently, there was a drop in the number of diagnostic imaging services billed in April, May, 2020. A survey was undertaken from March to June 2020 to determine the initial impact of COVID‐19 on Australasian Sonographers. This article, the first in a 3‐part series presents and discusses the results of this survey pertaining to changes in the number of scans performed, and changes in the working hours of sonographers. The remaining two articles in this series address other initial COVID‐19 impacts on Australasian Sonographers. An online survey was conducted containing questions regarding changes to work hours and examination numbers. 444 participants answered the survey. Seventy eight percent of sonographers reported a decrease in the number of examinations being performed in their department A decrease in work hours was reported by 68% of sonographers with almost a quarter of these reporting that they had lost all their hours. A higher percentage of work hours changes were seenin private practices. Many reductions in work hours were reported to be voluntary. Scan numbers in ultrasound departments were affected by COVID‐19, as were sonographers' work hours.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-11-2015
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12043
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12264
Abstract: The wellbeing of front‐line healthcare workers can be impacted during a pandemic. This paper reports the initial impact on the wellbeing of COVID‐19 on Australasian sonographers. An online qualitative and quantitative survey was conducted between March and June 2020 to explore the wellbeing of Australasian sonographers in the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Whilst most sonographers felt supported at work (300/379), those working in public hospitals felt more so than those in private practice. Sonographers in private practice felt more as though their job was at risk and were more likely to consider an alternate source of income. Sonographers felt they were working on the front line and many felt anxious about themselves (74%) or family (78%) contracting COVID‐19 due to their employment. Forty‐one percent of sonographers felt more isolated than normal, with younger age groups (18‐34 years) feeling less like they had enough hobbies or selfcare activities to get them through. Twelve percent of sonographers reported never, or rarely, coping with the juggle of work and home life. The initial impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the wellbeing of sonographers is evident. Longitudinal data will enable wellbeing to be tracked over time.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-07-2021
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12275
Abstract: COVID‐19 brought with it the requirement for healthcare workers to limit community transmission of the virus as much as possible by limiting patient contact and wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This study aimed to capture the initial adaptations to sonographic examination protocols within ultrasound departments and sonographer access to PPE. An online survey was used to gather data on sonographer reflections of sonographic examination protocol changes seen in their departments and access to PPE between the 11th of March 2020 and the 14th of June 2020. To reduce the time sonographers spent with the patients and hence reduce the risk of exposure to COVID‐19, sonographers reported adjustments to sonographic examination protocols including their duration and scheduling. Access to PPE was reported as poor. Numerous sonographic examination protocol changes were observed within ultrasound departments in Australasia in the initial response to COVID‐19. Access to PPE was varied along with sonographer feelings around the impact of these changes.
Publisher: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Inc
Date: 24-10-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-02-2018
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12138
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-09-2016
DOI: 10.1002/AJUM.12020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-03-2022
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12306
Abstract: Increases in demand for therapeutic ultrasound‐guided musculoskeletal injections have led to longer waiting times for appointments. With the right training, sonographers are well placed to perform these low‐risk procedures. This study evaluated the effect of musculoskeletal injections administered by trained sonographers with respect to patient safety and satisfaction. Patients were recruited from three radiology clinics staffed with appropriately trained sonographers. Patients who agreed to have their injection completed by a sonographer completed satisfaction surveys immediately after their appointment, with adverse reactions also recorded. Longer‐term outcomes were recorded 7–10 days later. 97% of 804 participating patients were completely satisfied with the service they received. Reported adverse events were low, with % and 8% immediately and at follow up respectively. There was demonstrated patient satisfaction with staff and the service, and support for the importance of this service in reducing the extensive waiting times experienced. This study indicates that appropriately trained sonographers can provide ultrasound‐guided musculoskeletal injections at a level of safety which is comparable to similar injection procedures explored in the literature. The high level of satisfaction of the patients suggest that this service should be extended and expanded to address patient concerns regarding long waiting times.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-04-2022
DOI: 10.1002/SONO.12309
Abstract: Sonographers possess a unique and complex body of knowledge and skills, providing real health benefits to the community. The value of competency frameworks rests on their capacity to support and facilitate professional practice in the interests of public safety. The commitment to act in the service of others carries with it a professional and ethical obligation to practice within the boundaries of accepted competency standards. The well‐accepted Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) competency standards for entry‐level Australian sonographers were introduced a decade ago. At this time, ultrasound technology, its application and the sonographer's role as a critical interface to this technology continue to evolve. The article provides an overview of research used to develop a contemporary competency framework for sonographers. It describes each framework component and how these components have a potential role in sonographer education and clinical practice at different levels of expertise. Sonographer competencies were developed via a national collaborative research project led by a multi‐institutional research team of academic and industry professionals. A Delphi study design elicited consensus on multiple competency characteristics from an expert panel of 55 sonographers. The expert panel contained representatives from all Australian states and territories and represented all domains of practice. The resulting project outcome consisted of a competency framework containing four significant components: sonographer competency standards, sonographer knowledge, sonographer attitudes and a holistic competency matrix.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2020
DOI: 10.1002/JUM.15246
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2023
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for the mapping of endometriosis before surgery when performed by sonographers in an outpatient women's imaging centre. A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed. The study group comprised of 201 women who underwent a comprehensive TVUS assessment, performed by a sonographer. Laparoscopy was performed as the reference standard. Complete TVUS and surgical data were available for 53 women who were included in the final analysis. Endometriosis was confirmed at a surgery in 50/53 (94.3%) participants, with 25/53 (47.2%) having deep endometriosis (DE) nodules and/or endometriomas present. TVUS for mapping of DE had an overall sensitivity of 84.0%, specificity of 89.3%, PPV of 87.5%, NPV of 86.2%, LR+ of 7.85, LR− of 0.18, and accuracy of 86.8% ( P 0.001). Ovarian immobility had poor sensitivity for detecting localised superficial endometriosis, DE, adhesions, and/or endometriomas (Left = 61.9% and right = 13.3%) but high specificities (left = 87.5% and right = 94.7%). Site‐specific tenderness had low sensitivities and moderate specificities for the same. All soft markers of endometriosis failed to reach statistical significance except for left ovarian immobility ( P = .001). Sonographers well experienced in obstetric and gynaecological imaging, working in an outpatient women's imaging setting can accurately map DE however, the performance of soft markers for detection of SE was poor.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JSAMS.2017.11.009
Abstract: This study examines the acute morphological changes (up to three days) in the normal, asymptomatic Achilles tendon (AT) in response to a single bout of exercise in relation to tendon dimensions and vascularity. Within-subject pre-post design. Participants conducted a 7.7km pack march on a sealed road in a time of 1h 16min (approximately 6kmh The tendon showed no significant change in sagittal diameter and cross-sectional area at 20mm proximal to the calcaneus and at the insertion immediately post-exercise. Tendon vascularity increased significantly in 91% of the left ATs and 87% of the right ATs in response to the pack march. Three days after the pack march an increase in sagittal diameter at the insertion and 20mm proximal to the calcaneus was observed and increased vascularity was still present in 22% of the ATs. This study highlighted the tendon's response to exercise and has shown that at three days post-exercise that the tendon had not recovered to pre-exercise levels with respect to tendon dimensions and vascularity.
No related grants have been discovered for Brooke Osborne.