• Respect for autonomy
• Nonmaleficence
• Beneficence
• Justice

The patient has the capacity to act intentionally, with understanding, and with free will to make voluntary, knowledgeable decisions

Based on informed consent

Avoid needless harm or injury to the patient, whether by action or inaction

Requires medical competence

Actions that should benefit the patient

Improving the patient's health, as well as preventing disease in the general population

"Fairness"

People should qualify for equal treatment regardless of age, gender, educational background, and other factors

The process by which patients are educated about the essentials of a medical procedure

Allows patients to make an informed, educated, and voluntary decision about the health care they are to receive

Patient must be considered competent to make decisions

Underage patients or those who are incapacitated/incapable of providing consent require guardian's consent

Non-English speakers must sign a HIPAA-compliant release form to proactively authorize ongoing involvement of a translating family member, but must still provide consent

• The nature of the procedure

• Reasonable alternatives

• Risks, benefits, and uncertainties related to each alternative

• Assessment of the patient's understanding

• Patient's acceptance

1) Treat the patient respectfully

2) Identify the patient by name and birth date

Do be knowledgeable of abnormal and normal sonographic findings

Do be aware of and follow departmental guidelines when providing preliminary findings to physician

Do not provide clinical interpretation

Do not discuss findings with patients

The quality of being worthy, honored, or esteemed

Includes a patient's perception of being in control and having self worth

Can be reduced with advanced age, infirmity, and lack of privacy

The study of the interaction between the sonographer, patient, and equipment in order to optimize the well-being of sonographers in their professional field

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) have formed an alliance with goals of reducing and preventing work related musculoskeletal disorders

• Repetitive motions

• Forceful or awkward movements

• Poor posture

• Improper positioning

• Strain

• Pressure on joints for extended periods

• Wrist support braces

• Adaptive support cushions

• Cable braces

• Ergonomic transducer design

• Chairs with adjustable armrests and footrests

• Bed designs with expanded adjustment options

• Control panel and monitor articulation

• Educational programs

• Keep arm close to body

• Stay close to patient

• Position system's monitor directly in front and at eye level

• Minimize extent of twisting or bending over

• Use proper sitting positions

• Hold probe using whole hand grip (palmar grip) rather than just fingers (pinch grip)

• Keep wrist and body in neutral position

• Use proper foot support

Should include standards for ergonomics and sonographer health

Routine operation should include educational programs regarding best practices, proper use of equipment, and safety concerns

Effective patient scheduling; avoid repetitive scan types and limit number of studies daily/incorporate non-scanning activities between scans

A set of guidelines to minimize the exposure and risk of health care workers when in contact with a patient

Based on the idea that all patients should be treated as potentially infections

Extension and clarification of universal precautions

Apply for body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, airborne particles, and nonintact skin

Developed in 1980s to minimize risk of patients to HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens

Include good hygiene habits: hand washing, use of appropriate barrier precautions to prevent skin and mucous membrane exposure during contact with any patient's blood or body fluids

Equipment: gloves, gowns, eye wear, face masks

1. All work activities should be classified according to the potential for exposure; minimum exposure PPE includes gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection
2. Detailed work practice program that includes standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all activities that have the potential for exposure and worker education program to assure familiarity with work practices
3. Employer should monitor workers to ensure that required work practices are observed and faithfully record documents of procedures and criteria used to assess risk of job activities