DDU(Vascular) - Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine

DDU(Vascular) SyllabusPart C: Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues(15% weighting)RATIONALEThe effective use of ultrasound examinations and procedures to contribute to clinicalmanagement of patients includes many aspects of the process. Along with technicalaspects of the production of the examination, all professionals using ultrasoundtechniques need to ensure that the examination is conducted in a way that meets legal,ethical and professional standards. All professionals using ultrasound techniques areresponsible for ensuring they have adequate and up-to-date knowledge of all aspects ofthe ultrasound examination process and associated legal and ethical requirements.Where other professionals are involved in the performance of any aspect of theultrasound examination process it is a professional obligation of the responsible clinicianto be aware of the role, functions, capabilities and responsibilities of all members of thecontributing team.AIMFor the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of the broad professional, ethical and legalprinciples and requirements that are particularly applicable to ultrasound practice asfoundational knowledge for ongoing practice in the field of diagnostic ultrasound.LEARNING OBJECTIVES1. Describe, in broad terms, the principles, importance and applicability of legal issuesand requirements relevant to ultrasound practice including:a. Professional indemnity insurance;b. Vicarious liability, particularly as relevant to other staff eg sonographers;c. Issues of negligence, including malpractice and mis-diagnosis;d. Report writing standards and requirements;e. Data record keeping and archiving requirements;f. Electronic transmission and storage of data including Picture Archiving andCommunication Systems (PACS), telemedicine and other means of data transfer;g. Privacy and confidentiality issues, including those related to electronic transmission ofdata;h. Legislative requirements for Medicare rebatable examinations including equipmentrequirements, practice standards etc.2. Describe, in broad terms, the principles, importance and applicability of ethicalconsiderations relevant to ultrasound practice including:a. Principles of biomedical ethics;b. Informed consent, particularly for "screening" procedures and invasiveexaminations;c. Communication, including limitations of the examination/procedure;d. Privacy and confidentiality issues.12