The Work

The Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA) is dedicated to fostering, supporting, and advocating for sonographers as experts in ultrasound. With a vision of creating a healthier world through sonographer expertise, the ASA provides extensive professional development opportunities, develops evidence-based resources and publications, and ensures patients have access to safe and high-quality medical diagnostic ultrasound.

Given the physical and emotional pressures faced by sonographers, work health and safety (WHS) is a critical concern for ASA members. To address this, the ASA periodically conducts surveys to capture a snapshot of WHS in the profession, delivering valuable insights to support the development of resources that aid sonographers in their roles.

Our Approach

Survey Matters has been collaborating with the ASA on their WHS research since 2021. The fifth iteration of this research, conducted in 2023, continues to build on previous surveys to measure changes within the profession over time. The 2023 ASA Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Survey offered an in-depth analysis of the health and safety issues impacting sonographers in Australasia.

The survey was designed to highlight key insights relevant to individual sonographers, employer organisations, and the ASA. It assists ASA corporate partners by providing information about WHS issues, enabling them to better support sonographers. The survey examines sonographer workflow and volume, experiences and reporting of physical pain, mental health and burnout, and available support systems.

The 2023 survey specifically addresses work roles, working environments, injuries sustained, common injuries, treatment and recovery rates, impacts on income and lifestyle, and compliance with WHS guidelines and practices.

The research was conducted using an online quantitative online survey which was fielded to all sonographer members of ASA, and over 750 sonographers responded.  This provided a comprehensive and reliable data set, allowing for detailed analysis and actionable insights.

Outcome

The 2023 ASA Workplace Health and Safety Report revealed significant insights into the challenges faced by sonographers. Key findings include that almost three in five sonographers experienced stress or anxiety in their roles over the past 12 months, and that high workloads, reduced scan allocation times, demanding patients, and a perceived lack of support from supervisors and managers negatively impacted sonographers' mental health, Three in ten sonographers indicated they work in environments lacking measures to support them in difficult or stressful situations.

In response to these findings, the ASA has developed a range of resources to help guide sonographers in protecting their mental and physical wellbeing. These resources include the Sonographer Health, Fitness and Wellness Podcast, webinars on topics such as reducing injury and stretching for sonographers, and educational videos on ergonomics. Additionally, the ASA offers a series of online resources related to wellness practices, providing comprehensive support for sonographers.

The research provides the ASA, sonographers, and employer organisations with valuable information to improve workplace health and safety. By addressing the identified issues and implementing the recommended strategies, the ASA aims to enhance the overall wellbeing of sonographers, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care to patients.