Transvaginal sonography: Sonographer reflections on patient experience using a critical incident technique

It is important to understand patient experiences of transvaginal sonography (TVS) due to its intimate nature and potential for patient discomfort. This may place the sonographer at increased risk of complaints and litigation due to misunderstandings and unfulfilled patient expectations. Methods The critical incident technique was used to elicit the personal experiences of sonographers performing TVS to provide perspectives of sonographer practices and their perceptions of patient experiences. Nine sonographers were asked to recall up to two positive and two negative critical incidents relating to the procedure and patient interaction during TVS. Data were analysed using staged thematic analysis. Results Nine distinct themes emerged from the analysis; patient comfort, chaperones and companions, sonographer gender, patient privacy, language and culture, communication, patient empowerment, sonographer advocacy for the patient, and previous experiences or preconceptions. Each theme was reported in context of current relevant Australian guidelines. Discussion Guidelines are helpful to guide the practice of TVS but do not comprehensively cover all issues raised by the sonographer participants in their goal to effect positive experiences for their patients. Sonographers can be further supported through education and review of existing local department procedures that relate to the practice of shared decision making, cultural competence, and anxiety reducing strategies.