The evolution of patient communication, driven by changing societal expectations and evidence-based best practices, necessitates a shift in both the content and delivery of information during ultrasound examinations. This is especially crucial when conveying unexpected news in obstetric ultrasound, a task that can be emotionally challenging for sonographers, particularly when faced with outdated and inconsistent workplace policies.

To ensure high-quality care for families receiving unexpected news and to support the sonographers involved, a team approach is essential. This includes using appropriate language, adhering to guidance that reflects a parent-centred care model and workplace support. This presentation will briefly outline the principles of effective communication and person-centred care and will include clinical examples demonstrating the practical application of these principles when communicating unexpected news.

Introduction: The Royal National Institute predicts that hearing loss will affect 14.2 million people by 2035, highlighting the need for effective communication in healthcare. In ultrasound services, over 58% of complaints are linked to communication issues. This study explores the integration of Sign Language (SL) in ultrasound practices to address communication barriers for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and evaluates its potential benefits.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from audits and qualitative data from a systematic literature search on ScienceDirect and Radiography. The three-month audit reviewed policies, observed sonographer practices, and assessed SL service provision. Search terms like "SL," "Ultrasound," "Deaf," and "Makaton" were used to evaluate experiences of SL use in ultrasound settings.
Results: Findings revealed that only 15% of sonographers had formal SL training, and fewer than 10% of ultrasound facilities regularly provided SL interpreters. Service users reported significant communication barriers, with 85% expressing a need for better SL services. The literature review highlighted patient frustration with miscommunication and a preference for SL-integrated services. Healthcare professionals recognized the benefits of SL, such as improved patient satisfaction and fewer procedural errors.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a clear unmet demand for SL services in ultrasound practice. Integrating SL could enhance communication, improve care quality, and reduce patient anxiety. The results underscore the need for increased SL training for sonographers and suggest that future research should examine the long-term impacts of such training on patient outcomes.

Introduction: Volunteering overseas for medical teaching is an enriching experience and this presentation will walk you through how radiology is structured in Tanzania, what their broad sonographic areas of needs are, and how we planned to meet them.
Method: Daily lectures were planned, and the clinical mentoring of small groups was arranged in order to find out what the individual radiology resident's needs were. Targeted learning goals were designed within a short amount of time to meet the individual needs of the group.
Results: Improvements in confidence and clinical competence were seen within all residents. From daily observations further challenges were identified and recommendations were made as how to overcome these challenges.
Discussion: As well as clinical success with staff training, there were many surprises, unique experiences and personal connections made with the people who I met. I feel sharing some of their stories is as important as the educational goals that were achieved.
Take home message: I hope this talk will inspire others to collaborate with radiology charities. Whether it’s recording a lecture or spend some time with communities nationally and internationally, there are many opportunities where sonographer skills can be shared.

Keeping your focus on your patient during an ultrasound scan can be challenging, particularly due to the competing elements of the day which can threaten to derail your attention away from the patient. One strategy that can improve your mental focus and increase your engagement with patients is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness can be described as being present in the moment, paying purposeful attention in the moment and approaching situations in a nonjudgmental way (being open-minded). Mindfulness in healthcare is not a new concept; however, it is a concept which is not usually included in the curriculum of education of sonographers, and hence is not generally practiced widely by sonographers. Research in professions such as medicine, nursing and allied health on the benefits of being mindful with patients has demonstrated that healthcare professionals who routinely practice mindfulness increase their capacity for empathy with patients, become less reactive in stressful situations and are more focused and attentive in their professional practice.
This presentation will cover the importance of being connected with your patient, strategies on how to remain present in the moment whilst performing an ultrasound and how the practice of mindfulness benefits not only your patient but also your own well-being.